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Review Staff: UNITED NEWS 4 Abby, Andrew Mall, Anu Schnuck, artnoose, Barry Land, STATES Bloddy Mary’s Cool Sister,  Chris, Christine Douville, Dan SENATE LETTERS 14 Morey, Emerson Dameron, eric zass, Heath Row, Jaina Davis, James McQuiston, Jerianne, UNITED COLUMNS 17 Karlos the Jackal, Kris, Kyle RESPONSE TO THE ELECTION Bravo, Misfit, Nicole Etolen, STATES Steve Omlid, Susan Boren, HOUSE OF  Susan L., Suzanne Hackett, REVIEWS 21 Tom Hendricks REPS. OUR VOLUNTEERS ON P.47 Proofreading: Andrew, Charlotte, Paul WORD OF MOUTH 53 Lappen, Susan Boren STATE ADDRESS CHANGES ON P.55 Advertising: SENATE [email protected] DISTRICT 22 CLASSIFIEDS 60 Art: [email protected]

I’m dying to find another friend. I am a liberal. I was a liberal the day I was born, and I will News: be until the day I die. What’s a liberal? I care about the poor, the sick, and the maimed. I [email protected] care whether we go to war for unjust causes. I care whether we shoot people who are innocent. There’s no such thing as a liberal media. I think we have a very conservative Editor/Publisher: press. Read the columnists. They are predominantly conservative. I don’t relate to them at all. I’m looking for another liberal. [email protected] –Helen Thomas, Aug. 2004, interview with The Progressive Printed by Marrakech Express Analysis The Aftermath of Hazelwood I WAS LUCKY. I had already graduated from high school when the over my head, with the consent of the newspaper’s adviser. I remember Supreme Court sold out high school journalists. In 1988, I was two years walking in on a school board member hovering over the layout of a into a checkered academic history at the University of Texas and working completely positive feature article about her. She held a blue pen in for The Daily Texan, the school’s student newspaper. I was at work in her hand, to make corrections. The sight shocked me. I had written the basement offices of the Texan when I heard about the Hazelwood the feature because I had admired her. Watching her appraise (and decision. It stunned me. I couldn’t believe the First Amendment rights approve!) my article in its pasted-up form, I felt betrayed. of high school journalists no longer existed. I was assigned to write about I was sure my adviser had shrewdly allowed prior review to avoid the local reaction to the ruling, so I started calling Austin-area schools. fighting with a school board member over a strict matter of principle, During my senior year in high school, I edited the student but I didn’t care. I believed in a free press, and I was furious at the newspaper, The Blue Beacon. I was fortunate to go to a public school Continued, top of p.5 that offered an exceptionally independent journalism program, and I quickly became an advocate of a free, activist press. With typical adolescent earnestness, I immersed myself in the pleasure – and idealism – of print media, and the Copperas Cove Independent School District, by and large, supported me. Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988) changed the Dark Poetry: ‘Can’ rules governing student expression in high schools, or perhaps more accurately, diluted those rules to the point of uselessness. Before the Does Not Mean ‘Will’ Hazelwood decision, student journalists were protected by the precedent- IN THE WAKE OF the Santee school shootings in March 2001, a 15- setting ruling in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School year old named George T. was expelled from Santa Teresa High School District (1969). In the landmark decision, Justice Abe Fortas wrote, in California and held for 100 days in juvenile detention after writing “It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their and showing what the school deemed as threatening poems to several Constitutional rights to freedom of expression at the schoolhouse gate.” of his peers. (See Zine World #19.) Two of the three girls who George As long as expressions did not cause “substantial disruption of or material showed this “dark poetry” to felt as though he were planning to carry interference with school activities,” students’ and teachers’ speech out some sort of school violence. could not be proscribed. The Court’s prohibition against speech that In July 2002, the California Supreme Court overturned George’s causes “substantial disruption” or “material interference” was a special felony conviction, saying it was “readily apparent that much of the poem concession to the school environment, an assurance to administrators plainly does not constitute a threat.” that they could legally censor student speech used to riot against By California law a criminal threat must be “on its face and under school itself. The Hazelwood decision erased this specific standard for the circumstances in which it is made, so unequivocal, unconditional, censorship. With the Supreme Court’s blessing, administrators can immediate, and specific as to convey… an immediate prospect of now censor high school students for any reason “reasonably related to execution of the threat.” legitimate pedagogical concerns.” Prosecutors had argued that the poem could not be analyzed in a That’s a funny word, isn’t it? “Pedagogical.” Generally, it refers to vacuum – George had distributed it less than two weeks after the Santee anything related to the process of teaching, but it also refers to anything shootings. Many civil rights and free-speech supporters spoke out in related to a particular type of teacher – a pedagogue – a pedantic, support of George, including Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Chabon. narrow-minded bully who likes to lord over students. In the Hazelwood The court agreed that the boy’s prosecution was an exaggerated decision, the Court did not define what “legitimate pedagogical concerns” response to such student attacks. “Ensuring a safe school environment might be, and this ambiguity naturally led to a jumble of conflicting and protecting freedom of expression ... are not necessarily antagonistic interpretations of the ruling among the nation’s school districts. While goals,” wrote Justice Carlos Moreno for the unanimous, seven-member some districts did nothing to alter their journalism programs, others court. instituted formal policies requiring “prior review,” the administrative The justices pointed to the line in the poem which read: “For I can practice of examining publications before they go to press, and be the next kid to bring guns to kill students at school” – saying that he “prior restraint,” or the forced change or removal of editorial content “can” bring guns doesn’t mean that he would, justices noted. administrators find objectionable. However, the court also ruled that students cannot shield themselves As the editor of my high school paper, I can remember only one behind art if they issue more direct threats. instance where I was forced into prior review. The decision was made Continued, bottom of p. 5 {4} pair of them for cheating me out of my ideal. That’s what hurt. The country are returning to school to find their journalism programs axed Tinker ruling didn’t help me at all, either: the school board member was from course schedules. reading the article by the time I got there, and rage subdued me while In Washington, for example, students at Renton High School lost she finished up. Legally, I understood what was happening, though. I their journalism class when administrators shunted the school’s award- understood they were violating the standard for censorship established winning newspaper, The Talking Stick, to an after-school program. by the Supreme Court in 1969. I also understood I couldn’t trust them. Among the reasons for the change, school officials cited a lack of student In 1988, Tinker’s standard for censorship, however compromised, interest in the class, an explanation hotly disputed by the paper’s disappeared, and in its place a pedagogical agenda that cultivates incoming editor, Donald Hoang. obedience and punishes independent thought slowly took root. Hoang accused administrators of punishing the paper for articles Seventeen years after the disastrous Hazelwood decision, censorship is that criticized school policies. He found out informally the class had now epidemic in the high school press. been cancelled as the news circulated among teachers. Within the last school year: The school’s principal, Kathryn Hutchinson, refused to discuss Stephanie Vinch, a newspaper adviser at Ithaca High School in school policy or the cancellation of the class with Hoang and further Ithaca, NY, cancelled the school year’s last issue of the Tattler after refused to formally announce the class’ cancellation to the student body. students ran a questionable personal ad without her knowledge. The With the principal’s grudging permission, Hoang distributed news about Tattler’s editor, Adrienne Clermont, admitted running the fake ad, the cancelled class on the last day of school. which implied a student was gay, was “a poor decision,” but disagreed In Rhode Island, students at Cumberland High School also lost the issue should be cancelled. their journalism class following a dispute over editorial content in the So Clermont defied the cancellation, taking her staff off-campus, school newspaper, the Bird’s Eye View. Although the high school does raising funds, and publishing The June Issue, effectively the last issue not have a formal policy of prior review, the newspaper’s adviser, Nancy of the Tattler. Dandurand, showed a political cartoon to Principal Stephen Driscoll An editorial in The June Issue declared, “Know that this paper is after the paper had been printed but before it was distributed. The proof that a group of students can join together and make something cartoon depicts the school district’s superintendent, Joseph Nasif, Jr., as despite an uncooperative administration. It was necessary to publish a superhero completing overdue renovations to the school’s auditorium. this paper, to stand up for our rights as students and to prove our After seeing the cartoon, Driscoll asked Dandurand to kill it. collective worth. It was partly a labor of love; but more importantly, Returning to her students, Dandurand informed them the cartoon it was a labor of necessity.” These firebrands returned to their school’s was protected speech, but it was clear to the students that the journalism program in the fall, but students in other parts of the Continued on p.6

It’s a sticky situation. On one hand, school officials are pressured In response, he created a cartoon and posted it online. The cartoon to look out for “warning signs” – not an easy task. Imagine the lawsuits was similar to South Park clips, using language to vent feelings. In it, against a school system that could result if the administration knew the student wrote: “He called me a good looking peacock, maybe I should about a possible attack on students, even if they had only a suspicion, kill him and urinate on his remains.” and did nothing and then that suspicion became a reality. The police responded to this by handcuffing Hamadanyan in front of On the other hand, officials are often a little too quick to exact his fellow students at Walnut Creek Intermediate School on May 26. justice instead of trying to investigate the root of the matter, to ask When the Bay City News interviewed the student’s mother, Karen questions like “Why did you write this? Do you feel like you want to Hamadanyan, she was most disturbed by the fact that she had not been harm yourself or others?” contacted before the arrest happened, and that the arrest took place A healthy and fair balance might involve looking at incidents on before other students. a case-by-case basis and taking steps from there, rather than jumping At the time, the Contra Costa district attorney recommended to conclusions and calling in law enforcement at every little scare. – Hamadanyan be charged with using an electronic device to threaten Jennifer Aaron & Jerianne or intimidate, which is a misdemeanor. School officials suspended SOURCES: courtinfo.ca.gov, First Amendment Center, Student Press him for the remainder of the school year and scheduled an expulsion Law Center, msnbc.com, hearing. Zine World was unable to discover whether Hamadanyan was eventually charged or expelled. Is this the kind of response police should take to a 14-year-old Animated Net Cartoon relieving his anger through a cartoon? Many would agree that the Brings Student Arrest situation had to be handled seriously, but isn’t handcuffing a student JUST TWO MONTHS BEFORE the California Supreme Court ruled in front of his peers going too far? Circumstances like this have been another student’s poetry wasn’t a threat, police in Walnut Creek, Ca., headlining for years now, and they seem to only increase in their level arrested a 14-year-old student for making “explicit threats” against a of ridiculousness. When students are being subject to discipline for teacher... in an animated cartoon. bringing a water gun to school or using an inhaler, it’s time to start At school one day, one of Esau Hamadanyan’s teachers’s called him wondering if many of America’s teachers have any common sense at all. a “good-looking peacock.” Rather than taking the teacher’s intended –Jess & Jerianne meaning (that he was confident), Hamadanyan picked out the words SOURCES: Bay City News, Contra Costa Times “pee” and “cock” and took it as an insult.

{5} with the American Civil Liberties Union, and from there the situation escalated as the principal and superintendent scrambled to maintain control. In an emergency faculty meeting, Levine implied Graham had mental problems and should be watched. (Subsequent psychiatric testing proved Graham is sane.) In a meeting with Graham and his parents, Levine also threatened to use his influence to prevent Graham from being accepted into college. Graham was suspended for seven days by Levine after the student vented his frustration about the superintendent’s behavior on an off- campus website. Graham desperately needs to expunge his high school transcript of the suspension – for making possible terrorist threats – before he can apply to college. For her role in suppressing the Witches Brew, the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression awarded Papagiotas a “Muzzle,” an annual prize presented to the year’s worst censors.

THIS IS THE PEDAGOGICAL REALITY of high school journalism today: when school authorities are embarrassed by unflattering editorial content, they will monitor, edit, defund, and cancel student publications and programs. And it’s legal. Unlike the Tinker ruling, the Hazelwood decision makes no distinction between administrators using censorship to quash a student revolt and administrators using censorship to ensure their authority remains unquestioned. As a result, arbitrary and retaliatory acts of censorship have become an institutionalized part of Goodbye, Ashcroft! We’re glad to see you go! high school life. (In some school districts, even underground publishers Sue Clancy are required to submit their publications for review. In compliance with the policy of prior review at Salem High School, for example, an independent student publisher submitted an “underground newspaper” distribution of the cartoon might result in Dandurand losing her job. to Superintendent Levine for his approval, which he granted. The Fearing that their newspaper adviser would be fired, the staff decided to paper accused officials of creating a “toxic environment” at the school. physically cut out the cartoon from all 2,500 copies of the paper. Similarly, an independent publisher in the Montogomery County When the paper was distributed, the unavoidable hole on page school district in Virginia sought and received permission to circulate 3 caused a stir among the student body and faculty – and in a brave an editorial rejected by the high school newspaper, the Ink Wave. demonstration of solidarity against the administration, some teachers Administrators instituted a policy of prior review for the distribution even taught lessons about the First Amendment in protest. Surprised by of all publications – both school-sponsored and independent – after the attention, Tess Tomassini, the editor of the Bird’s Eye View, wrote Blacksburg High School students attempted to distribute the article on a purposeful editorial in the final edition of the school year, revisiting campus. The editorial, entitled “BHS: the Gateway Drug,” describes a crucial Supreme Court rulings and proclaiming the newspaper’s portion of the student body that is using drugs … to get through class.) commitment to legal self-expression. Even high school journalists who graduate to college journalism are The school’s administration did not share her conviction. Following dogged by the Hazelwood ruling. Although prevailing judicial opinion the controversy, the position of newspaper adviser was ruled out of the sides squarely with the free speech rights of college journalists, an school’s budget, and the newspaper was relegated to an after-school ongoing lawsuit is threatening to extend Hazelwood’s speech restrictions program. to college campuses. Last year, in the case of Hosty v. Carter, a federal Advisers are the link between school administrators and students, appellate court ruled school officials at Governors State University in and when these two groups clash, the pressure on advisers can be Illinois violated students’ free speech rights by ordering prior review immense. In Massachusetts, a newspaper adviser at Salem High School of the student newspaper, the Innovator. Affirming college journalists’ was forced to abandon her advisory position to the staff of the Witches right to editorial autonomy, the court rebuked the school for using the Brew in order to protect her teaching job. The adviser, Pamela Hebert, Hazelwood decision in its defense. In her ruling, Judge Suzanne B. was a casualty in a high-stakes battle between the school district’s Conlon wrote, “Hazelwood’s rationale for limiting the First Amendment superintendent, Herb Levine, and Todd Graham, a recent graduate of rights of high school journalism students is not a good fit for students Salem High School and a former co-editor of the Witches Brew. at colleges or universities” because of high school students’ and The trouble started shortly after the arrival of Salem High School’s college students’ “differing ages and maturity levels.” Unfortunately, new principal, Ann Papagiotas. Papagiotas instituted a policy of prior Conlon’s ruling has since been retracted, and the case is now being review for the student newspaper, then demanded changes in editorials reconsidered. about low student morale and bans on hats and food in class. Although Hazelwood-style censorship is not new to college students, but a students reluctantly agreed to the changes, Papagiotas decided to decision to overturn the ruling in Hosty v. Carter would be a tremendous suspend publication of the newspaper. The students allied themselves blow to college journalism. Like their high school counterparts, college-

{6} level administrators who use censorship to paddle independent because he was in high school. journalists would be supported by legal precedent. Censorship of the When I was in high school, I didn’t believe in the standard for embattled college press, already bad, could only get worse. censorship established by the Tinker ruling – I believed in pure self- Also within the last school year: expression – but I leaned against that ruling anyway, in self-defense. Administrators at Florida’s Manatee Community College shut I hated allying myself with a judicial edict that presumed to tell me down The Lance after the student newspaper published an article what I could and could not say in school, but I hated petty authorities that criticized college officials for skewed budget priorities. Student more. They’re everywhere, you know. At my high school, I remember journalists David Kalwinski and Jim Malec did not submit the final a vice principal named Mike Wilburn who patrolled the hallways. He draft of their article, entitled, “Dude, Where’re My Student Activities?” once stopped me, demanding, “Do you know what the penalty for an to the newspaper’s faculty adviser, Doug Osman, for his approval. uncovered book is?” “Death?” I shot back, and then instantly backed Osman had expressed disapproval for an earlier draft. over my joke with apologies, good humor, and the intercession of a After suspending publication of the paper, officials set to work on sympathetic teacher. Somehow he was mollified. Years later, Mr. an oversight policy, only to reverse themselves in an embarrassing Wilburn, by now the principal at Copperas Cove High School, read concession to existing legal precedent. They announced the paper will an editorial in The Blue Beacon he didn’t like. The editorial criticized probably resume publication this fall. student violence and antagonism between students and teachers. Mr. At Kansas State University, officials reassigned student publications’ Wilburn disapproved – too negative – so he exercised his prerogative adviser Ron Johnson to “other teaching duties” for refusing to censor under the Hazelwood ruling and confiscated hundreds of copies of controversial stories in the Kansas State Collegian. Kansas State the paper. This act of censorship scandalized the school district – the officials Todd F. Simon and Stephen E. White argued straight-faced for Thomas Jefferson Center even awarded Mr. Wilburn a “Muzzle.” the right to censor the Collegian, claiming the First Amendment only I’m not sure how I would have reacted as a high school editor if protects “substantive expressions” and not the “general quality” of a I saw administrators hauling off freshly printed newspapers because publication. of a dispute over editorial content. In the repressive, censorious school The executive director of the Student Press Law Center, Mark environment created by the Hazelwood ruling, I would not have been Goodman, chided the officials’ argument as “simply wrong” and able to appeal, however pragmatically, to the wisdom of the Supreme condemned the university’s actions as “unprecedented, bizarre, and Court. That wisdom no longer exists. I know one thing, though. I would offensive to the First Amendment.” have certainly expressed my opinion in some way. I was an idealist then, Johnson is fighting the reassignment in court. and I am an idealist now. Free speech is for everyone – even student Another college newspaper adviser, Michael Mullen, was also journalists. –Susan B. reassigned after he refused to censor content in the Trailblazer, the SOURCES: American Library Association, Associated Press, student newspaper at Vincennes University in Indiana. collegemedia.org, College Media Advisers, Collegiate Times, Community “I allowed the staff to publish articles that were embarrassing to the College Journalism Association, The Daily Texan, First Amendment university and put a light on things they would prefer were kept in the Center, highschooljournalism.org, Student Press Law Center dark,” Mullen said. These articles included stories about low enrollment and interim President John R. Gregg’s suspect job qualifications. Questioning the school’s president infuriated Dean of Humanities Mary Get Gays Out of the Library THE COLOR PURPLE, On The Road, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Trimbo, who demanded students abandon all controversial editorial Cat on a Hot Tin Roof have no place on school or public library shelves content. When students refused to comply with Trimbo’s demands, in the great state of Alabama – at least that’s how one state lawmaker Mullen was reassigned to the English department. Mullen said Trimbo would like to have it. told him he “gave” the students “too much freedom.” Rep. Gerald Allen, a Republican from Cottondale, wants to prohibit

the use of public funds “for the purchase of textbooks or library materials “TOO MUCH FREEDOM”? In their annual survey, the First Amendment that recognize or promote homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle,” in Center and the American Journalism Review reported only 1 percent of order to protect children from the “homosexual agenda.” randomly selected Americans can name the five freedoms enshrined by Allen has pre-filed a bill for the state’s 2005 legislative session, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Those freedoms which begins Feb. 1. If his bill passes, Allen said schools, universities are freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom and libraries would have to remove textbooks and novels that suggest of assembly, and freedom to petition. Only 15 percent of the respondents homosexuality is natural from their shelves and destroy them. He could recall freedom of the press as a Constitutional right. Another 15 suggested the libraries could “dig a big hole and dump them in and bury percent thought high school students had “too much freedom.” This them.” accusation of “too much freedom” is the real legacy and the infamy of the “Half the books in the library could end up being banned,” said Hazelwood decision. Freedom of speech is no longer a cherished ideal Jaunita Owes, director of the Montgomery City-County Library. “It’s all – it’s censored, shunted aside, cancelled, and ultimately forgotten. based on how one interprets the material.” In the story I wrote for The Daily Texan about Austin’s reaction to If you’d like to let Allen know what you think of his hatemongering the Hazelwood ruling, a student editor stated simply that high school and censorship efforts, write to him at: Rep. Gerald Allen, Alabama journalists are legitimate journalists who “deserve to be protected.” State House, Room 531, 11 South Union St., Montgomery AL 36130; or He was a reasonable guy. He wasn’t demanding the right to cause call his state office at 334-242-7758, his work phone 205-556-5310, or “substantial disruption” or “material interference” of the educational his home phone 205-556-5310. –Jerianne process. He just wanted to know he wasn’t going to be unfairly censored SOURCE: The Birmingham News {7} The Summer of the Activist Documentary THE SUMMER OF 2004 was a great season for activist documentary director of Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election pointed out filmmakers. Dozens of films, from the dangers of fast food eating to the that although there has been an increase in such documentaries, very dangers of a biased media, from massive corporations to the President few make it onto television or into the theaters. This inspired her to of the United States, appeared throughout the nation in grassroots create the festival. festivals, coffee house theaters, and even mainstream box-offices. The “There has been a renewed interest in social and political issues surge in political documentaries can be attributed to the fall election this year and many people are taking their video cameras and making and the nation’s frustration with recent events. documentaries,” said Sekler, “The purpose of the festival is to get Academy Award winner Michael Moore created quite a stir with people involved in making changes in the system. We need to build a the release of Fahrenheit 9/11, a controversial critique of the Bush democracy movement in the country, and that means involving millions administration’s activities following the events on September 11, 2001. of Americans who ordinarily don’t get involved in politics.” Fahrenheit examines the Bush relationship with the Bin Laden family, Let My Country Awake, one of the films in the Take Back including several financial ties, as well as Bush’s subsequent war in Iraq. Democracy festival, chronicles America’s opposition to the war in Iraq. The film opened on June 25 and held steady in the top ten throughout Filmed in San Francisco, New York, Washington, and Los Angeles, this the summer, becoming the top grossing documentary features congressional documentary ever. representatives, political activists, By far the most prolific activist film celebrities, and concerned citizens. of the season, Moore’s documentary According to the press release, “the has opened up the public’s eyes to what film reveals dramatic predictions for really went on behind the closed doors consequences now being felt as a result of the Oval Office during the months of the Bush Administration’s rush to following the largest terrorist attack on war.” American soil. Conservatives responded When asked if they felt their film to Michael Moore’s film with their reached as many people as they hoped, own documentaries such as Michael Janet Fuchs and Deb Huston said “… Moore Hates America, in which the we are constantly trying to get the film filmmakers attempt to debunk Moore’s to a broader audience. It is part of the claims about issues in American society, Take Back Democracy Festival series and Fahrenhype 9/11. nationwide and will soon be broadcast Also ranking high in ratings and on cable access TV channels in popularity is Super Size Me, one man’s Manhattan and San Diego. Without the experiment with fast food. While Super name recognition or financial backing Size Me is not a political film in the of the few biggest players in this niche, traditional sense, it raises several it is not easy to acquire distribution. questions about America’s lust for fast Grassroots political organizers have food and the damage it is doing to the been our best venue to date.” nation as a while. Filmmaker Morgan Media That Matters hosts a Spurlock used his own body to determine traveling film festival throughout if one could live on fast food alone. Mike Twohig the United States. The fourth annual Throughout an entire month, Spurlock ate nothing but McDonalds for festival began in May 2004 and will end in May 2005 with the premier of every meal. His health drastically suffered as his waistline expanded. the fifth annual festival. The festival is run by Media Rights, a nonprofit The end result is a harrowing look at the billion-dollar fast-food industry organization that connects filmmakers, activists, educators, and youth and how it is affecting the health and financial well being of America. through a variety of Web-based and offline projects. The festival In Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism, producer/ features 14 films and two digital media works that have been selected director Robert Greenwald took on one of the largest news organizations out of hundreds of entries. The films cover a variety of topics such as the in the country. The documentary explains the impact on society when environment, September 11, and AIDS awareness. the media, and therefore information itself, is controlled by a single For those that do not live close enough to one of the tour stops, Media entity. Outfoxed features inside secrets from Fox employees, divulging That Matters offers information on arranging your own viewing of the how they are forced to put a “right-wing” slant on their reporting. films. More information can be found at www.mediathatmattersfest. While the bigger names were able to get their films into coffee org. house theaters and, in Moore’s case, straight to the box-office, In a nation where the mainstream media is owned by a handful of smaller filmmakers had to rely on alternate sources to decimate their companies, activist documentaries provide a refreshing alternative, and information. more importantly, access to information that the American public may A Toledo-based film festival, Take Back Democracy, featured over never otherwise see. These filmmakers, with little more than a video a dozen activist documentaries this fall covering topics such as the war camera and a few thousand dollars, have given new life to the activist in Iraq, the 2000 Presidential Election, and other political themes. documentary. It is up to the rest of us to see that their message is heard. Joan Sekler, curator of the Take Back Democracy film festival and co- – Nicole

{8} concept of moral welfare in America, since moral codes vary from person ‘Won’t Someone Please to person and family to family. Think of the Children?!’ Next, there’s the punishment doled out for the crime. YOU COULD SET YOUR WATCH by it. Parents – who already have the ability to install filter software and Every few years, some “concerned” conservative takes it upon browser parental controls on their computers – would now be given the himself to whip out a moral measuring stick, surmising that civilization authority to make legal decisions about what is and isn’t obscene. as we know it will collapse if little Johnny and Sue America are exposed This – along with the hefty fine attached – has free-speech advocates to boobs and blood. 1996 saw the introduction of the Communications up in arms. Theoretically, a parent could file a lawsuit against any Decency Act; in 1998, it was time for the Child Online Protection Act. facility that dispenses materials suitable for both children and adults, Both pieces of legislation were initiated by former President Clinton. including public libraries, bookstores and comic shops. The lawsuit, with The latest crusader is Republican California Congressman Duncan its hefty minimum fine of $10,000, could very easily put independent Hunter, who, in April of 2004, introduced House Bill 4239, also known proprietors out of business. as the Parents’ Empowerment Act. Lawsuits of this sort have occurred before H.B. 4239. Two years The bill “will allow the parent or legal guardian of a minor to sue, in before its existence, Jesus Castillo, a comic store manager in Dallas, a district court, any person who knowingly sells or distributes a product Texas, faced criminal charges for selling an “Adults Only” comic to an that contains material that is harmful to minors.” Compensatory adult. He was sued, served a $4,000 fine, and was sentenced to 180 days’ damages would be a minimum of $10,000 for any instance wherein jail time and one year of probation. (See Zine World #14 & #18.) a minor is exposed to “harmful” entertainment products – including Due to the unconstitutionality of Hunter’s bill, it is unlikely that it books, magazines, comics, video games, websites, and CDs. will ever see the light of day as law. Nevertheless, as long as there are Like the bills that have preceded it, the Parents’ Empowerment Act people making a career out of censorship and lax parenting, free speech is a blatant act of censorship, thinly veiled as a “protective measure.” proponents will have to be prepared Two things make H.B. 4239 more insidious than its predecessors, The Parents’ Empowerment Act has been referred to the House however: its evasive language and the severity of the punishment. Judiciary Committee, and has been endorsed by a number of far-right Hunter hopes the measure will serve to re-write the current legal religious organizations, including the Christian Coalition, the Southern definition of obscene material “by providing a separate definition Baptist Convention, and the World Family Policy Center at Brigham of obscenity specifically for children.” Yet the document bases its Young University. assessment on the judgments of what is described as a “reasonable It has also been harshly scrutinized by a number of websites, person.” How is a reasonable person being defined in this instance? The including the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, The Internet Freedom phrasing is simply too subjective to have any legal merit. Association and the Library Law Blog. Interestingly, there seemed to be The bill goes on to state that a seller or distributor may face no press coverage of H.B. 4239 on any major news sites. criminal charges should a minor suffer “personal injury, or injury to You can read the Parents’ Empowerment Act at www.theorator. mental or moral welfare.” Though personal, physical, and mental injury com/bills108/hr4239.html. To speak out against it, call the US Capitol seems legitimate, the notion of injuring a minor’s “moral welfare” seems switchboard at 202-225-3121. –M. Brianna Stallings downright ludicrous. SOURCES: blog.librarylaw.com, www.cbldf.org, www.house.gov, www. Despite many previous attempts, it is impossible to define the i-freedom.org, www.ninthart.com

‘Fair and Balanced’ Is Deceptive, Says Alt-Media Group IN JULY, FOX NEWS was back in hot water facing charges against their trademark slogan, “Fair and Balanced,” by nonpartisan news group, Common Cause and AlterNet. Deciding that the slogan amounted to consumer fraud, AlterNet and Common Cause filed a complaint with the FTC to contest the slogan’s legality. The president of Common Cause, Chellie Pingree, asserted that “Fox News has no obligation under the law to be fair and balanced, just to market itself as fair and balanced.” AlterNet had previously filed a Cancellation Petition with the US Patent and Trademark Office asserting that Fox’s use of the phrase is “notoriously misdescriptive” and that Fox should not be allowed to retain it as a trademark. The FTC petition came on the heels of two other headlines involving Fox News. The previous summer, Fox News attempted to sue author and liberal gadfly Al Franken for parodying the slogan in the title of his book, Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right. The lawsuit was quickly thrown out of court, with the presiding judge stating, “I think it is highly unlikely that the phrase ‘fair and balanced’ is a valid trademark.” More recently, Robert Greenwald released his documentary, Outfoxed, which seeks to examine Fox News’ right wing leanings through taped clips of the news channel’s shows and comments from former Fox News’ employees and others. AlterNet is attempting to raise money for the lawsuit through its website by offering copies of the documentary for a $30 contribution. Of course, this suit has not gone uncontested by other groups who claim to report news without spin. Online conservative news site CNSNews first called for the “silly lawsuit against Fox News” to be dropped in a letter to the FTC, along with claiming that neither AlterNet’s nor their own complaint deserved any attention whatsoever. They point the finger at the New York Times, saying that it also misleads consumers with its slogan, “All the news that’s fit to print.” Their letter parodied the AlterNet petition, and ends with typical charges against Michael Moore. The closing remark seems right out of The O’Reilly Factor: “Please take care not to harm yourselves in laughing off these two silly complaints.” Although Fox continues to use the slogan – and continues to be anything but fair and balanced – AlterNet is still pursuing the trademark lawsuit. For more information visit alternet.org/fightfox. –Claire Sewell SOURCES: Associated Press, alternet.org, CNSNews.com, First Amendment Center {9} Bush Campaign Forces Debate on held liable for damages.” According to the ACLU, First Amendment violations at Bush events Dressing like Students, Housewives fell off sharply after they filed their case, but they do remain vigilante in NICOLE RANK AND HER HUSBAND, Jeff, made a splash at President monitoring what they describe as “an Orwellian way to keep speech out Bush’s fourth of July rally in Charleston, WV, this season, sporting of sight of those the speech is intended to critique...” provocative t-shirts with the presidents last name crossed out on the John Prather, a 38-year-old mathematics professor from Ohio front and ‘Love America, Hate Bush’ on the back. The couple, who University, might have a thing or two to say about that. In the August had tickets for the event, were removed from the Capitol grounds and 19 Indian Express Richard Leiby reported the telling results of a t-shirt ticketed for trespassing. experiment conducted by Prather. According to the Charleston Gazette, “Dozens of people who attended Prather attended a Bush rally wearing a Kerry-Edwards t-shirt and wore pro-Bush t-shirts and Bush-Cheney buttons, some of which were a Kerry rally wearing a Bush for President t-shirt. At the Bush rally, sold on the Capitol grounds outside of the security screening station.” Prather was forced to remove his t-shirt, and even after he donned a Those who applied for tickets, which were distributed through area soccer shirt was tailed for 15 minutes before he was escorted out of the employers and through the office of a Republican state representative, rally. At the Kerry rally “Nobody said anything to me,” Prather told were required to supply their names addresses, birth dates, birthplaces, Leiby. and Social Security Numbers. Ticket holders were presented with an A Bush spokesman did not return a telephone call seeking comment extensive list of prohibited items. While the list banned weapons, food, on the necessity of the “free speech zone” at Bush events. and umbrellas, it offered no fashion advice, the Gazette said. In September, the Ranks filed a federal lawsuit against Gregory Trespassing charges against the Ranks were eventually dropped on Jenkins, deputy assistant to the president and director of the White the grounds that the municipal court does not have the authority to House Office of Presidential Advance, and W. Ralph Basham, director enforce trespass violations on state property. And the Charleston City of the US Secret Service, alleging their First Amendment rights were Council issued an official apology for the cities’ role in the wrongful violated. The suit was filed with help from the ACLU. The couple arrest. Council members invoked the U.S. Constitution to reinforce that wants a judge to declare unconstitutional any policy that led to their they understood the gravity of the offense committed against the Ranks, arrest. They are also seeking unspecified monetary damages. –Dave saying that if all they did was, “(P)eaceably exercise their right of free Wreckoning speech and expression as guaranteed by our Constitutions, they should SOURCES: ACLU, First Amendment Center, www.indianexpress.com, not have been arrested or charged with a crime,” said a report by the www.refuseandresist.org, www.unknownnews.net Associate Press. Charleston Mayor Danny Jones told the AP that the arresting officers were acting under the supervision of Secret Service agents. The Biotech-Critical Artist Labelled a Terrorist IN THE EARLY MORNING hours of May 11, 2004, New York artist Secret Service denied playing any role in the arrests, but according to Steve Kurtz awakes to find Hope Kurtz, his wife of 25 years, lying dead Jones the police were just doing “what we were told to do.” next to him. Kurtz dials 911, and tells the authorities that he believes his Nicole Rank, who had been deployed to West Virginia to do wife has died of a heart attack overnight. When the police arrive, they environmental work for the Federal Emergency Management are immediately concerned with Petri dishes and laboratory equipment Association in the wake of Memorial Day flooding in the state, was present in the Kurtz residence. Upon further inspection they find that dismissed from her job after the incident – but was rehired after charges Kurtz is in possession of equipment used for extracting and amplifying were dropped. DNA; as well as several types of bacteria including E. Coli, Serratia, and What happened to the Ranks is only one of numerous examples, Bacillus globigii. reported and unreported, of people being harassed for their choice of Though obviously shaken by the recent loss of his wife, Kurtz clothing at Bush appearances – whether the appearances were campaign manages to explain to the officers that the laboratory equipment and the stops or official Presidential visits. Petri dishes of bacteria are used to create an upcoming art installation In September 2003, the American Civil Liberties Union filed meant to critique the biotechnological industry. suit against the Secret Service for discriminating against protesters, Art installation? Critique of the biotechnological industry? dissidents, and assorted wrong opinion expressers. The suit was Instantaneously, fears of bioterrorism are prompted, and Kurtz suddenly concerned with incidents in which “local police, acting at the direction and bizarrely finds himself under federal investigation for bioterrorism. of the Secret Service, violated the rights of protesters” by moving them The Joint Terrorism task Force is alerted, taking Kurtz into custody for “further away from public officials” than sympathetic spectators or two days and removing from his home laboratory equipment, research, confining them in “what is commonly known as a “protest zone,” leaving computers, books, manuscript, and even the body of his deceased wife those who merely observe, but express no view, to remain closer,” an under the pretence of analysis. The Erie County Health Department ACLU press release said. even goes so far as to condemn Kurtz’s house as a health risk. Charges were dropped when the Secret Service denied engaging “This is a colossal overreaction,” said Kurtz’s lawyer Paul Cambria, in the practice, but agreed with the ACLU that such actions would be most famously known for representing publisher Larry Flynt. “There’s inappropriate and unlawful. Witold Walczak, one of the lawyers that no question that it’s a paranoid overreaction that would never have filed the lawsuit, told Susan Tuckwiler of the Gazette that “They had happened before 9/11. I only hope that it is not simply aimed at trying to an internal memo dated September 2002, saying they couldn’t treat silence his message or the methods he’s using to convey his message.” protesters differently or worse” than anyone else at a presidential Steve Kurtz, an active member of the Critical Art Ensemble appearance. The judge said any agent responsible for doing so could be (CAE), a group whose goal, according to their website, is to explore

{10} “the intersections between art, technology, radical politics, and critical org. –Audrey Gagnon theory” was preparing to take part in an art installation show titled SOURCES: Adbusters, www.caedefensefund.org, www.guardian.co.uk “Free Range Grains.” The show was set to take place at MASSMOCA www.indybay.org, www.tribnet.com, USA Today, www.wirednews.com and included the exhibition of a DNA extractor meant to test various foods for transgenic contamination. In recent years, the group had addressed concerns over the biotechnology industry and its blatant House Refuses to Curb Patriot Act IN JULY 2004, the House of Representatives voted down an amendment financial generosity towards Republican candidates. According to Paul blocking funds for Section 215 of the Patriot Act. The amendment, which Schmelzer of Adbusters magazine, “nearly three-quarters of its $25.8 needed a majority to pass, stalled with a vote of 210-210 after House million in donations to date went to George W. Bush’s party.” Could this leaders kept the vote open for an extra twenty-three minutes after the by any chance be the reason why the FBI is so eager to shut up Kurtz normal fifteen minute window expired. and the rest of his CAE buddies? Proponents of the change came from all areas of the congressional In an interview with tribnet.com, University of Washington spectrum, including the bill’s sponsors, Representatives C. L. Butch geneticist Mary-Claire King comments on the hypocrisy of the situation: Otter (R, Idaho) and Bernard Sanders (I, Vermont). Despite having “Kurtz’s materials are politically, not physically, dangerous. They [Steve bipartisan support, the amendment was shot down by a whole-heartedly Kurtz and the Critical Art Ensemble] re-create [scientific] ideas using partisan effort. While Democrats in the House chanted “Shame, their own way of imaging, and then say, ‘Maybe you’d like to look at shame,” Republican House leaders circulated, carrying out the wishes it this way.’ To me that’s teaching. It does not seem to me to threaten of President Bush, who threatened to veto the entire appropriations bill homeland security. In fact, I would be threatened to live in a homeland if the amendment remained in it. in which that was perceived to be a threat.” Many sections of the Patriot Act, passed almost unanimously Field and laboratory tests conducted by the FBI have demonstrated following 9-11, are now being scrutinized by Congress, which failed to that the equipment found in Kurtz’s home was never used for illegal read it with a critical eye at that time. Among these is Section 215. purposes. In actual fact, it was deemed impossible for the equipment Section 215 gives the FBI the power to: “make an application for an to be used in the weaponization or production of hazardous microbes. order requiring the production of any tangible things (including books, In addition, it is perfectly legal for any US citizen to acquire and records, papers, documents and other items) for an investigation to possess such equipment. Several tests also failed to positively reveal protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence the presence of ricin, anthrax, and plague; rather, investigators only activities.” found small amounts of non-pathogenic strains of E. Coli, Serratia, and Though it is not explicitly outlined in Section 215, the Patriot Act Bacillus globigii – bacterial culture, which, according to Kurtz’s friend means the FBI has the power to request the files of library patrons. For and peer Beatriz da Costa, were used in contribution to the CAE’s up this reason, librarians around the country decried the passage of this and coming art exhibit. provision, and refuse to this day to participate in any searches of their Though Kurtz’s wife was eventually returned, and his house files. Some community libraries, such as those of Santa Cruz, Ca., have reopened and once again deemed safe for habitation, the 48 years old even gone so far as to destroy all of their computer logs to prevent them professor and artist is far from finished with this ongoing nightmare. from going to the FBI. According to a press release put out by the Critical Arts Ensemble, On July 8, everything seemed to come together so that Congress the charges against Kurtz have since been dropped to four counts of would repeal Section 215. The outcome of the vote, however, turned at mail and wire fraud (United sates Criminal Code, Title 18, United the convenient release of a memo stating that a known terrorist used a State Code, Section 1341 and 1343). Also indicted is DR. Robert Ferrell, computer in a public library. That memo, as well as the extended voting Professor of Genetics at the University of Pittsburg, who provided Kurtz time, was enough to cause ten representatives to change their “yes” vote with the bacterial culture found in his home. to a “no.” The charges brought against Kurtz and Ferrell are usually reserved Despite this setback, it seems that the Patriot Act may be on its way for those who are defrauding others of money or property – though out, as more and more citizens and politicians realize its full scope. Many “historically” argues the CAE, “these laws have been used when the sections of the Act are scheduled to “sunset” at the end of 2005... that is, government could not prove other criminal charges.” In other words, unless the Republican-controlled Congress renews them. –mordechai these charges are more about the FBI saving face rather than punishing SOURCES: American Library Association, The Baltimore Sun, The Kurtz and Ferrell of a legitimate crime. Buffalo News, Newsday In an interview with indybay.org, Carla Mendes, the spokeswoman for the Critical Art Ensemble expressed her frustration with the way the criminal system had failed Kurtz and others like him: “There is no ID Required legal way to stop huge corporations from putting genetically altered AS WE LEARNED in grade school, our names can hassle us. If material in our food. Yet owning the equipment required to test for the you’re Christened Dick, or, as was the case with one girl I once knew presence of ‘Frakenfood’ will get you accused of ‘terrorism.’ You can be tangentially, Shithead (pronounced “sha-THEED”), you might not want illegally detained by shadowy government agents, lose access to your just anyone privy to that info. However, according to a 5-4 Supreme home, work, and belongings, and find that your recently deceased Court decision in June 2004, refusing to reveal your name to a police spouse’s body has been taken away for analysis.” officer can, in and of itself, land your cagey ass in the lockup. A trial date has yet to be set; and if convicted, both men face up to According to a 1968 decision, police may briefly detain anyone 20 years in prison. For more information, or to donate to Kurtz’s legal on “reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing,” without meeting the higher fund, visit the Critical Art Ensemble website at www.caedefensefund. standards of probable cause. Nevada cattle rancher Larry Hiibel

{11} challenged the constitutionality of a state law requiring him to ID himself “With the great efforts of folks like Associate Editor during such a get-together, and fought it all the way to Washington. Alicia Door (god bless her!), we did manage to get thousands Hiibel’s side argued that the statute violates the Fourth and Fifth of zines reviewed and listed for Zine Guide #7. But financially Amendments, providing freedom from unreasonable search and seizure speaking, coming out with that issue would have expanded and self-incrimination, respectively. Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing my personal debt into the range of six figures. All I have to for the admittedly slim majority, did not concur. offer are my most sincere thanks and apologies to everyone Twenty states have laws similar to Nevada’s. Of course, if you live that has made an effort to support our efforts over the years, in one and want to make like the caricatures on Cops, you can always and also to relate that we are open for suggestions on what say your name is “Bill,” not carry a wallet, and leave it at that. That we can do with all the information that was gathered for what should go well. –Emerson Dameron was supposed to be our latest issue. I am not going to attempt SOURCES: www.dailystar.com, www.unknownnews.net to sell the Zine Guide ‘franchise’ to anyone; I would never even wish that kind of burden on anyone (especially not asking them to pay for it), but maybe some creative solutions can be Mock Away reached so that all the hard work that went into compiling all THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT has affirmed that political satire is a the information does not go to waste. protected form of free speech – even if the material is not clearly labeled “Please keep in mind how difficult this result is and has as satire or attributes false quotes to real public officials. been for me to deal with, especially after having devoted the In 1999 the Dallas Observer printed a satirical article titled “Stop last decade of my life to consuming, enjoying, analyzing, and the Madness” about the arrest of a 6-year-old girl for a book report she above all, promoting zines.” wrote – intended to mock the real detention of a 13-year-old for writing The Zine Guide website has been taken down, and Quimbys (a a violent-toned essay. The article included false quotes attributed to the bookstore in Chicago) recently held a sale of numerous zines from the Denton County district attorney and the judge who oversaw the case. Zine Guide collection. Ritzel can be reached at [email protected]. The attorney and judge filed a libel suit against the paper. The duo claimed their reputations were damaged because many LONG-TIME ZINE PUBLISHERS clasp their long out-of-print copies readers mistook the satirical article as being true. However, Justice to their chests and guard them with their lives. Newer zine publishers Wallace Jefferson noted that there were several clues to the article’s may have heard whispers about the beloved publication. If they’re lucky, falsity, including outrageous quotes, an unorthodox headline and photo, they paid more than 10 times the original cover price to get their hands and the silly-named religious group God-fearing Opponents of Freedom on a copy. (GOOF). For years, in quiet tones, we’ve talked about a mythological new The court held that the spirit of the First Amendment protects issue, but we never really believed it would come. speech that ridicules public officials, and that the article was not written But it has. It has! with “actual malice.” (For public officials to win a libel case, they must A revised, second edition of Crap Hound #5: “Hands, Hearts, & prove actual malice was intended.) Eyes” is being released by Show and Tell Press in January, with the “The very purpose of satire is ridicule, but this does not make it brand new #7: “Church and State” to be released in the Spring. a sort of second-class speech under the First Amendment,” Jefferson But wait. The good news doesn’t stop there – Show and Tell will wrote in the court’s findings. follow these releases with revised and expanded re-releases of other CH SOURCE: Law.com back issues. Crap Hound has page after page of imagery – taken from catalogs, Zine News advertising, clip art books, and other random and obscure sources BRENT RITZEL, PUBLISHER of Zine Guide, the massive annual – centered around a specific theme. Although at first glance the zine directory of zines, and Tail Spins, a music and pop culture magazine, may appear to be a simple clip art collection, closer inspection reveals it has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. is actually a work of art, a social commentary, an exploration of culture In a post on alt.zines, Ritzel said: and history through line art. Crap Hound is edited by Sean Tejaratchi. “I tried everything imaginable to avoid this and of course, Chloe Eudaly, the proprietress of Reading Frenzy, said one of the filing for bankruptcy was the last thing I ever wanted to store’s many mottos is “if you want something done right, do it yourself.” do, but the massive personal loses I have suffered at the It’s this philosophy that inspired her to launch Show and Tell Press; its hands of these publications were on the verge of completely mission will be to re-issue highly coveted and out-of-print titles and to overwhelming any possibility of me ever leading a normal life showcase exceptional new artists and writers. Show and Tell will also be again. Each issue of Zine Guide required over 5,000 hours releasing a Reading Frenzy anthology later in the year. of work, and in my best year I was making about $1.75 per To order Crap Hound #5, send $10 to Show & Tell Press, 921 SW Oak hour for my efforts, and hindsight dictates that I should have St., Portland OR 97205. For more information visit www.showandtell probably given up my efforts back in 2002. But I didn’t; I have press.com (a forthcoming website) or www.readingfrenzy.com. always believed very strongly in the zine scene and didn’t want to abandon what I considered to be a necessary and SPEAKING OF NEW ISSUES of long-treasured zines, in case you important publication, especially in the wake of the demise haven’t heard there is also a new issue of Murder Can Be Fun. Even of Factsheet 5 shortly after the release of our first issue back editor John Marr can’t remember how many years it’s been since the in May of 1998. last issue of this pulp non-fiction zine about death and murder and

{12} mayhem. Here’s his announcement: “I have finally put out issue #19 of the public. The RCNV, however, cites excessive foot traffic as one of its Murder Can Be Fun. The theme is music, the cover boy is the incredibly complaints against the Infoshop. Fitch has also claimed that the body sick Spade Cooley (of whom you will be hearing much in the coming odor of the Infoshop clientele hindered his ability to rent out other units months), and my favorite piece is about a teenybopper getting crushed in the building. to death at a David Cassidy concert.” For your copy, send $2 to John Although Fitch has alleged having two pages of complaints and Marr, PO Box 640111, San Francisco CA 94164. violations, he did not comply with the Infoshop collective’s request to see a copy, nor was it clear who else in the building had issues with FACTSHEET 5 IS GOING to publish again! Wait, they really mean it the Infoshop, as other renters in the building have denied making this time! They really, really mean it! complaints. Okay, maybe we’re being a little snide, but come on! This is at least The Infoshop collective was quick to release a press statement the third time since 2001 this group of folks has announced an upcoming concerning the eviction notice, and when the word got out, two local release. And by this group of folks, we mean the guys involved with newspapers ran articles about the dispute. The San Jose Mercury News Alternative Press Review. We can’t be more specific than that because and the Santa Cruz Sentinel both ran stories highlighting a clash of the email announcements they’ve sent out recently have been unsigned, political philosophies and a lack of organization within the Infoshop and no contacts are listed on the website (www.factsheet5.org). collective. In Spring 2001, Tom Wheeler, part of APR’s editorial collective, Often (though not always), radical infoshops face ideological clashes announced he had taken over the F5 franchise from one-time publisher with their landlords, even when the landlord is a liberal individual or R. Seth Friedman. He anticipated the first issue would be released by entity. Specifically, lifestyle and aesthetic choices come into play when the end of the year. a “crusty” contingent of anarchists occupies a space in a cleaner, more That publication date got pushed back a time or two. A year passed “respectable” liberal building. It is also not uncommon for volunteer-run with no news. Then, we heard from Dean Thomas that a new issue collective community spaces to face periods of disorganization, especially would be out by the end of 2003. Again, nothing came. (APR, by the when the space is supported mainly by transient “traveler kid” groups. way, hasn’t released a new issue since 2002.) In his statement to the mainstream press, Bob Fitch did mention “a F5’s and APR’s websites – overseen by Chuck Munson – have featured real absence of continuity of management,” a common interpretation of a continuously updated news blog. But the F5 email newsletter has been the typical non-hierarchical organization of anarchist collectives, where silent for quite some time. That is until December, when an email came there’s no leader or board of directors with whom to negotiate. out seeking writers, reviewers, and contributors, and announced that Despite effort to convince the RCNV to reconsider, the Infoshop F5 would resume publication in Spring 2005. Another email followed collective members in the end closed down the radical community space soon after, stating, “We received a tremendous response to our call for and put the anarchist lending library in storage. Although the collective writers, reviewers, artists, and contributors. Review material will start does not have plans to acquire a new space in the near future, they hope going out to reviewers right after the holidays.” that in time the Infoshop will rise again to serve the radical community The website says F5 will be nationally distributed with a projected of Santa Cruz. –artnoose print run of 10,000+ copies and will be published bi-monthly. And that’s SOURCE: santacruz.indymedia.org about all we know. We’ve gotten no response to the email we sent to [email protected]. No word if the publishers intend to honor PDATE former subscriptions – although Wheeler said in 2001 that they would, Denver Zine Library —U THE DENVER ZINE LIBRARY has moved into a new home: The it has, after all, been more than five years since the last Factsheet 5 was Other Side Arts, a non-profit art space at 1644 Platte St., in downtown published. Denver. If you’re an optimistic sort, send your zines (or music or spoken As we reported in Zine World #21, the library had been located word or videos or DVDs or books) for review to Factsheet 5, PO Box behind the rented home of Kelly Costello and Jamez Terry, and had 6245, Arlington VA 22206. –Jerianne received a cease-and-desist order from the City of Denver for breaking zoning laws. Originally, Costello and Terry had appealed the order and Santa Cruz Infoshop Eviction were supported by their neighbors and their landlord. However, they A SCANT FOUR MONTHS after opening, the Santa Cruz Anarchist ultimately decided it was unlikely Infoshop was served a 30-day notice of termination of its lease in the they would win the appeal, so they Readers who have or hear Resource Center for Nonviolence (RCNV) building on July 5, 2004. The decided to find a new home for the news of interest to the zine eviction was spearheaded by RCNV property manager Bob Fitch, who library’s 5,000+ titles. or DIY community are very gave reason as the Infoshop’s alleged violations of the rental contract, “In the end, moving the library cordially invited to drop specifically that the Infoshop’s presence overused the common space was an excellent decision,” the us a line and let us know! We welcome clippings of of the building and that the mostly punk clientele created an “unsafe organizers say on the library’s zine-related news from the space.” It does not seem that the whole of the RCNV membership and website. The new home “is much mainstream press, from staff supported Fitch’s decision to oust the Infoshop. more public than the old location.” other zines, from anywhere The RCNV, an established anti-war non-profit group, operates out The library’s new mailing address at all. Please write to News, of its building at 509 Broadway and rents out office space to individuals is PO Box 13826, Denver CO c/o Zine World, PO Box 330156, Murfreesboro and community organizations. Infoshop founders say that they were 80201, and its new website is www. TN 37133, or email very clear with the RCNV when they applied for the lease that part of denverzinelibrary.org. [email protected] their use of the space would be as a lending library that would be open to {13} All letters received are assumed to be for possible publication. We reserve the right to edit your letters for grammar, length, clarity, or just to make you look dumb. Write to: Zine World, PO Box 330156, Murfreesboro TN 37133-1056, or [email protected].

FIB is no longer located in Anacortes, was a time a few years ago when I would Arizona state prison system for robbing Wa. It is now in Olympia. Please review voraciously plow through and issue of $ out of vending machines. I’m a total this issue and let me know whether or not ZW and by its end would have ordered a zine fanatic but right now I’m void of any I should continue publishing The FIB or handful of titles. zines at all. A friend sent me your address just quit wasting my hard-earned recycled Regardless, I think your publication and I’m hoping that maybe you can help pop-can money and your time. Oh, F.I.B. was wonderful, and I’m happy to hear it’s me out. I would love a copy of the most is an acronym for the island Anacortes is still going strong. Assuming it still has recent issue of Zine World if possible. If located on – Fidalgo Island’s Beautiful. a bias toward self-published and small that’s not possible, maybe your reviewers –Jim Sharp, The FIB press creations, I think ZW’s existence is could scrounge up some of the zines 500 Eastside St. NE #15, Olympia an important one. they’ve reviewed and stick them in a big WA 98506-4003 –Nathan Thrailkill manila envelope and send it to me. Any Ft. Collins, CO help you could provide would be greatly Yo, Zine World! Enclosed is a appreciated. little piece of shit zine titled Marginal In reference to the breaking free of –Chad Kochalka #153422 Doodling. It’s my fucking zine. PLEASE Microsoft (Zine World #21), two items: Arizona State Prison Complex review it (even if it’s a really shitty 1. There is an excellent, high quality, – Lewis, Bachman Red 5-B-4 review)!!!!!! feature-laden desktop publishing software PO Box 3500, Buckeye AZ 85326 –Cecilia Schmitt, Marginal Doodling called Scribus that runs on Linux. It’s 7200 Highland St., Springfield VA amazing and 100 percent open source and PS: I am a graduate of the University 22150 free. It is at the level of Quark or Adobe of Tennessee! I graduated in 1992 with a products. Info can be found at www. degree in Psychology! Do you sell Zine World in Raleigh- scribus.org. Durham area of North Carolina? 2. There is Java-based office software We get so many requests from –John C., via email called Think Free Office (www.thinkfree. prisoners for free zines, there’s no way I com) that is about $50 for the most can afford to fill them. We’ve got a pretty Unless there’s a Tower in the area current version. However, I’ve found older tight budget here. If you can pull together that sells it, nope. But you can order versions at computer stores (like Micro some stamps or have someone on the a copy and get it sent directly to your Center) for only $10. There’s another outside send some cash, I’d be happy to mailbox. non-MS alternative, although not free like send you our zine. Or if someone else out –Jerianne OpenOffice. there wants to become a prisoner sponsor –A.J. Michel, Low Hug and send in donations to cover prisoner Thank you for thinking of your past PMB 1057, 112 Muir Ave., Hazleton orders, ditto. In the meanwhile, I’ll print subscribers by offering a special deal. PA 18201 your address with your letter; maybe Although I won’t be taking you up on some kind soul with a pile of leftover your offer, I feel you deserve feedback Thanks for the software tips! We’ll zines looking for a home will send them as I respect what you’re doing and what definitely talk about the software your way. Zine World stand for. Two reasons for available to run on Linux in part 2 of the –Jerianne discontinuing my subscription: article. However, Denny has never used PS: I’m guessing UT hasn’t 1. At the time (the defiant teens dtp software, so it’s great to have someone contacted you as an alumnus to help with – issues #13-18) ZW had such an irregular else’s input there. I’m sure when the day recruitment, eh? publishing schedule that I thought it comes that he convinces me to finally was the signs of a capsizing publication. switch over to Linux I’ll be using Scribus. Loved the latest! I immediately quit I figured each issue I received might be –Jerianne my job, took to the bath, got out my the last and couldn’t rely on a regular highlighter, and began reading. I am delivery. I later realized the difficulties Keep up the amazing job! Please send sending quite a bit of my zine surplus to ZW and you personally were having, but me the latest issue. the various zine libraries listed. And you it didn’t assuage my concern over the –Bob Sheairs gave me a good review! Bonus – nothing unpredictable future of ZW. Westmont NJ to take for granted in your publication. I 2. My lifestyle has changed a bit. I no am not even going to mention the review longer hoard mass amounts of things like My name is Chad and I’m currently was late because I am not a whiner, and zines and CDs on a regular basis. There serving a 4-1/2 year sentence in the by the time issue #12 comes out, I’m sure

{14} you will review #11. No big! Keep up the of publication, but the opposite pretty recently shanked in the neck. 11 stitches good work! ... And thanks for lowering the much holds true for the vast majority of and a sexy new throat scar later, he finds price of your publication. the people in here. Let’s see, I just saw himself in the hole with nothing to do, –Christopher Robin Maxim, FHM, True Story, US News and with nothing to read. He asked me to PO Box 1611, Santa Cruz CA 95061 World Report, Playboy, and Rolling Stone spread the message that he would love all pass through. While Rolling Stone has some zines, especially those with a focus Your comment about schools prompts some good reading every so often, for the on brutal music but anything that’s punk me to suggest you need to address the most part it’s pop culture at its worst. or DIY will give him a thrill as well... root of the problem – teaching prevents What I seek is the raw literature that has He’ll be immortally grateful and learning, not common knowledge. not been filtered and approved by some review your stuff in an upcoming ish of –Rev. Don Stevens corporate jackass! But you won’t get that WS or OE or Fanorama... Escondido CA in most mainstream outlets, you have Plus any old fans or comrades are to plunge into the alleyways, the side encouraged to shoot a few words of Greetings earth-bound samizdat streets, and dig around a bit. solidarity his way. epicureans! For a few years now I’ve Actually, I have found a few gems His new mailing addy is: seen your guide/zine listed in various here and there in my journeys through NEIL EDGAR K-61832 publications, and I was just recently the odd address. I have actually met a few C-13-202, PO Box 409000 reading The Match! and noticed your people I correspond with as well, which if Ione, CA 95640 mailing address yet again, and I thought you really think about it is fairly odd in Thanks in advance for taking the I should really get a scribble hammered these times. Who even writes letters any time to read this and for reaching out to out and sent your way. By the way, I longer? I joke around that people in prison a queer punk prisoner who has inspired a hope that all is well on your end of the are the last repository of letter writers generation of prisoner zinesters with his spectrum. Odd times here. left in America. You would be surprised brutal tales of truth & transformation. I used to be a fairly regular partaker at how many people ask for my e-mail In solidarity, of the underground press. Though in the address! I always get a grin from that one. –REB, Fanorama Publishing last few years it seems as though the field Here soon I should be reclassified 109 Arnold Ave., Cranston RI 02905 has thinned a bit, or perhaps I’m just not to a less restrictive classification, and in touch with as many people any longer. I’m looking at taking one of the printing The concept of fair use allows I think that the whole electronic interface trades they offer. I’d like to get my own students, artists, journalists, and others phenomena, the Internet, has drawn press one day and do a little publishing. to borrow and quote from copyrighted some people away from paper and staples But I’d like to get some knowledge under material without permission if they are publishing. The last time I was looking my belt, and some hands-on experience doing it for purposes like commentary, into the underground scene, Factsheet while I’m able. parody, or news reporting. But copyright Five was still chugging along with Seth ... I guess I just wanted to write owners – especially corporate ones Friedman and Co., but he came out with and let you know there are still some – often send threatening “cease and that book, and that’s the last I remember. people out there who are into interesting desist” letters to those they think are Next time I wrote to FS5 I got a dead mail publications, but who probably have violating their copyrights or trademarks. address. Those old PO Box #s have some remained in the shadows for years. I’m To research how well fair use is legs, and it’s a shame nobody was able one of those persons. You guys, and gals, actually protecting artists, journalists, to salvage that one. I wonder how many take it ez, and keep on keeping on. webbloggers, and others, the Free returned letters that one produced (or is –Tim Expression Policy Project has been still producing?) after Seth closed shop. Lovelady TX analyzing a database of cease and desist ... Here in prison most of the reading letters put together by the Chilling Effects material is not too unlike what you’d find Neil Edgar, creator of Obscene Clearinghouse (www.chillingeffects.org), in any mall bookshop, or Wal-Mart: just Emission and Wiener Society zines a joint project of the Electronic Frontier ephemeral, slick glossy crap. You would and cofounder of the Fanorama Society Foundation and six law school clinical think that being outcasts of society, we’d Prisoner Zine Distro (and my #1 boy programs. Preliminary findings indicate gravitate towards the nonconformist type & partner in DIY thought crime) was that cease and desist letters sometimes,

ZINE WORLD: A READER’S GUIDE TO THE UNDERGROUND PRESS is made possible by volunteers, subscribers, advertisers, love, caffeine, and the kind contributions of: anonymous, Abby, AJ Michel, Corby Simpson, Daniel Irwin, Dick Freeman, D.S.A.M.E., Gianni Simone, J.L. Hudson, Owen Thomas, Tom Hendricks, Wred Fright, and other people whose names I forgot to write down. Thank you, each and all.

THANKS: Abby, Chip Rowe, Chris, Emerson, Jason Kucsma, Jay Koivu, Jenn Angel, Kyle Bravo, Musea, The Nashville Scene, Rick Bradford, Slug and Lettuce, Stephanie Webb, Tom Hendricks, the anonymi, any and all news sources mentioned in the articles (or not), all of the news crew, all our subscribers, all our advertisers, all the above, everyone we forgot to mention, and of course the terrific top-notch all-volunteer staff of Zine World.

EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS: artnoose, Denny, Doug Holland, Fred Woodworth, John “Bud” Banks.

{15} though not always, have chilling effects hearing “But I e-mailed you about it,” did is a prisoner involved in the zine scene, on speech that might qualify as fair I figure out that my friends’ messages Douglas Dahl, who presents himself as a use. Read more at: www.fepproject.org/ had been filtered and trashed. I begged feminist to those he writes to, by telling commentaries/ceaseanddesist.html. The Microsoft Tech Support to e-mail every you that he heard of you from me, and Free Expression Policy Project is a think user an announcement, one of those that, as inspired by the best feminist zine tank on artistic and intellectual freedom that come from “Hotmail Staff,” with ever written (Flashpoint #2), he decided at NYU’s Brennan Center for Justice. the subject line “Attention: Your spam that he will make a feminist statement Through policy research and advocacy, filter setting has changed.” They didn’t. concerning how ridiculous it is that we explore freedom of expression issues However, if you visited Hotmail.com women shave. He soon asks for a picture including censorship, copyright law, instead of downloading your e-mail, of you, especially if you do not shave. media localism, and corporate media you saw a notice about your spam filter It is my opinion that he wants these reform. setting. photos to beat off to while he is in prison. –Michelle Chen, Communications Thanks for your “Break Free from He seems rather sexist in the letters Associate, Brennan Center for Justice Microsoft” article in ZW #21. It convinced he has written to me (stating that when 161 Ave. of the Americas, 12th fl., New me I should do more than just drop he gets out of prison he wants to “go to York, NY 10013 Hotmail. Brazil where women treat men right, –J Martin, via email unlike the women in America”) and is If you download your Hotmail e-mail, definitely into porn. prepare to pay. Microsoft wants $20 a I, unfortunately, haven’t read zines If you get a letter from Douglas Dahl year from you. Soon, Hotmail will be for years (blame the Internet?) and picked telling you that you should trust him free only if you visit Hotmail.com and up a copy of MRR recently to see what’s because he is a feminist like Shannon read your messages on their website. up these days. Your resource seems like a and that Flashpoint #2 was great, watch Microsoft isn’t spreading the news. I read good place to start. Thanks! your step. I have had two zine girls write about it in Woody’s Email Essentials –Karl Schmit, Green Bay WI 54302 to me telling me that Douglas Dahl had newsletter, www.woodyswatch.com/email/ sent them creepy letters; he got their archtemplate.asp?2-08 Thanks for the review of biotropism addresses from The Whizzbanger Guide. At home, I download my Hotmail in ZW #20; it forced me to put it back in I do not vouch for Douglas Dahl. He is e-mail with Microsoft’s own Outlook print when I might not have otherwise. not a friend of mine, nor do I believe he is Express. When I read my e-mail at work And thank you for putting out one of the a feminist. or at a cafe, that’s when I visit Hotmail. few review zines I can stand reading. –Shannon Colebank, Whizzbanger com and see the ads. I’m not willing to (It’s refreshing to see reviews that are Productions look at ads every time. When they start descriptive and leave some decisions to PO Box 5591, Portland OR 97228 charging, I’ll put $20 towards my own site the reader. and get my e-mail there. –ruth o-r Thanks for your letter of warning, I’m still bitter about something 1256 W. Northshore, Garden Apt., Shannon. We did recently receive a couple Microsoft did back in July. I had my Chicago IL 60626 of letters from Douglas. He had ordered spam filter off, but Microsoft reset it to a copy of our zine, but he paid by a check “Enhanced.” Only after three weeks of I would like to point out that there made to Zine World, so we had to refuse the order. He responded to our refusal with a letter (see our WOM section) about women and body hair, in which he made reference to correspondence with you and said that you agreed with his views. He stated “I was hoping to use your resource material to contact women who are natural, unshaven, to obtain their viewpoints. ... I am only doing research.” Given your comments, I’d say he certainly does not sound on the level, and we will do what we can to spread the word. –Jerianne

NOTE: Part 2 of “Throwing off the Shackles: How to Break Free of Microsoft,” scheduled for this issue, was held to make room for post- election commentary. It will run in Zine World #23.

{16} Zine World asks… What Is Your Response to the Election? and What Should We Do Now?

Grant Schreiber: “Think Positive” living behind the Iron Curtain, (with spies and terrorists every-where), There is no point in moping about the rapid end of the world. That would just by going about the daily routine. One no longer has to wonder what it be defeatist. We must instead embrace our new destiny and find as many would be like if the South had won the Civil War. All the danger, excite- positive things as we can to keep smiling, no matter what. With Bush win- ment, and let’s face it – romance – of living in a third-world banana repub- ning the Mr. America contest, the following positive points immediately lic can now be enjoyed without leaving your favorite chair. struck me: 9) Denouncing people as enemies of the state has never been easier, 1) Finally there will be a government that will be in favor of well-to-do and hours of fun can be had with a phone book and the speed dial button white men. No longer will wealthy white men feel the pinch of responsibil- set to the nearest FBI office. Anyone can quickly become the most feared ity or hear any bad news about their excesses. They are to be loved, as they man on his block by sucking up to the local authorities and pointing fingers have always deserved to be loved. with abandon. With a little bit of gumption a petty quarrel can be turned 2) The Pledge of Allegiance won’t be edited. This is one of the issues into a full-scale, satisfying banquet of revenge. Every man a Caesar. Two that has been plaguing American thought for several years. Is the Pledge fat, white thumbs up for giving the thumbs down to anyone who doesn’t really a prayer or a more secular wish for the Almighty to make sure that behave exactly like you. no matter what we do, He will still find us cute and adorable? Now it is 10) And best of all, there are no drawbacks to any of this. both so everybody will be happy. Grant Schreiber publishes The Judas Goat Quarterly. Contact him at 3) Acting like a moral man is no long required to being seen as a moral 4422 N. Racine Ave. #3S, Chicago IL 60640 or [email protected]. man. Lying, stealing, mass murder, general idiocy, and dangerous bullying are all okay as long as you tell people that you love Jesus. Once you an- Ryan Mishap: WE’RE FUCKED nounce publicly that you pray and that God talks to you, there isn’t a law While I’m not a person who places my hopes for positive change in of man that can stop you. You can even run red lights and put fake stamps governments or the electoral process, there is an awful lot to be depressed on envelopes once you announce your devotion to the Lord. about after the recent United States election. The Mass-Murderer-In- 4) People who find homosexuality offensive will no longer be threatened Chief, George W. Bush, and his coterie of maniacs hell-bent on world domi- with the prospect of marrying a homosexual. Because homosexual mar- nation won the election as U.S. voters gave the middle-finger to the rest riage will be outlawed, then homosexuals will no longer reproduce and of the world. There’s plenty of election analysis and condemnation of U.S. there will be less homosexuals around to frighten and tempt straight white citizens’ compassionless conservatism out there, so I want to talk hope. men in courtrooms and in Congress. First, let’s be bleak. 5) We can count on a dramatic increase in military parades, and a lot We were fucked anyway. No matter who won the U.S. presidential elec- more American families will have the honor of having a war hero son or tion, which white man got elected to office, or what anti-gay vote passed, daughter buried in their hometown. As we spread Democracy throughout our society is still on a suicidal path. While it would be nice if everyone the Middle East and introduce the concept of Freedom to Latin America, suddenly became enlightened and all warm-fuzzies, we still live in a racist, we can spend hours and hours supporting our troops through a wide range patriarchal, and over-consumptive culture of industrial capitalism. This of clever bumper stickers, ribbons, and American Flag lapel pins. And civilization imports wealth, environmental resources, and the products military funerals not only keep that special relationship with God close of exploited labor while exporting militarism and weapons, neo-liberal to mind, there’s nothing more patriotic than your very own personal flag economic death policies, and poverty. As author Derrick Jensen said at a neatly folded and kept in a triangle wood box with a real glass viewing talk I attended a couple years ago: we’re fucked. We’re not going to save window. the world. The systems are in place and civiliza-tion speeds on towards 6) Closing libraries and museums will save vital money. Libraries are destruction no matter what we do. I know how that sounds, especially to socialist plots set to ruin the publishing industry, and it’s high time to those of us who are comfortable and enjoying the quality of life here. If we close them down. Nothing is for free. To think otherwise is to deny a Bible ignore it, nothing changes. If we accept it, then we are still doomed. Jensen seller his rightful profit. Museums are elitist liberal distractions and not also said something else, though. really set for the plain folks who make America great. As an added bonus, Life can be really, really good. many large museums and libraries can be transformed into condos for the Many people wonder what we can do, as post-election paralysis takes wealthier white men of the land. And great works of art really belong in hold. I would have given the same advice prior to the elections as I give corporate lobbies where everyone can see the price tag. now: do what you can do. Do what you are capable of to help make your 7) With labor unions, environmental restrictions, and lawsuits a thing life and the lives of others really, really good. I’m not mainly talking about of the past, we can successfully return the country to the heyday of its comfort and fun and material things, but connection and community and might, 1855. There will be no need to raise the minimum wage if children mutual support. can enter the workforce at the age of eight or nine. And naturally, because There are hundreds of organizations, groups, political parties, move- kids can’t work an eight-hour day, as that would interfere with their Bible ments, and ideologies that will tell you what you should do. That’s fine studies, there would be no need to pay them the minimum wage either. if one works for you. Stopping Bush and Co. or corporatized government Without all these silly governmental restrictions, business could feel safe would require a mass movement. But mass movements are unwieldy and bringing factory jobs back to this country and our economy would recover prone to authoritarianism. Opposition groups also tend to utilize shame in record time. and guilt to motivate (coerce) their members. We all tend to think big, 8) Travel is no longer necessary. One can experience all the thrills of focusing on huge spectacles like the election or dreaming of huge, sweep- {17} ing changes like revolution. Ok, but killing betrayal is always lurking you can’t wrap your arms around nearby. those. We forget about our neighbors, What does this election say to me our friends, our commun-ities. I can’t about our country? It tells me our stand in Fallujah, but I can volunteer country is asking for something it’s at the local foodbank or support a not getting from politicians. What friend going through a difficult time. I can we do? Well I’ll tell you what I’m can’t end racism, but I can take a look going to do. I’m going to redouble my at myself and speak up about what’s commitment to my ideals, and I’m going on. Mass protests in the streets going to live my life as fearlessly as are wonderful, but so is helping out I can. When I look back on this evil with your friend’s kid. time, I want to know I fought for I derive my hope for positive change what I believe in. from small-scale interactions and Susan Boren publishes Clip Tart. through supporting the communities Contact her at PO Box 66512, Austin I’m a part of. It’s the letters of friend- TX 78766. ship I write to people in prison and the ones to their jailers making demands. Bob Sheairs: It’s these zines that travel around the When Jerianne posted a call for world sharing our lives and giving lie opinions/rants about “what we can to nations’ borders. Of course I strug- do” in light of the recent presidential gle with depression prompted by the election, I was moved to offer up my suffering and domination I see around own views on the situation. It’s be- the world, but I’ve only been around come obvious that we are not only a for thirty years while oppression has country divided – both ideologically existed for thousands. Every act of and on social issues – but also that opposition or compassion is an action there is a deep-seated fear that per- I’m not supposed to take because it meates the very fabric of our republic; undermines the whole rotten order. a fear of the people and countries that I believe in the politics of felicity, to paraphrase Marilyn French. I see are opposed to our national opinion, and the actions that we take as a world hope in the communication we exercise through zines, the sharing of our superpower. I found my own opinion of the French, after the initial US back- lives and experiences. Hope in supporting each other and our communities. lash against the attack on 9-11 (including the beginning of the war in Iraq), Working for joy, compassion, and against alienation. Life can be really, re- to be sour, simply because they disagreed with our actions as a nation. The ally good, don’t you know, so let’s start living it, sharing it, and recognize anti-French rhetoric was everywhere, but especially from our leaders and the that every little positive thing we do snatches power away from those in media, changing ‘French Fries’ to ‘Freedom Fries’ and all that nonsense. control. Every act of kindness and solidarity and defiance screams “NO!” to And for what? Because the French government disagreed with us. “If those in power who worship death. What can we do? Anything we can. you aren’t for us, you’re against us,” that’s the thought that was on the Look, 55 million people supposedly voted for Bush Jr. There are around collective unconscious of the American public. And I believe that this senti- 275 million people in the United States. I’m not going to let a minority of ment is still alive and well in America’s heartland. It doesn’t make these Christian whackos and narcissistic nationalists stop me from hoping for a “red states” stupid or uncaring, though. It makes them frightened, unsure, better world. I already knew those people were there before the vote. Me distrustful, and very, very human. That’s why there was such a majority and my communities, friends, will keep on keepin’ on. I can see the hope of support for Bush in the election – so don’t glom onto hopes of some and fire in your eyes. overwhelming voting Conspiracy Theory (there’s sure to be voter abnor- There’s a quote from David Watson that I paste on the first page of my malities in almost every state, but I’d argue that errors were made for both zine every issue: candidates) – and that’s where the most effective change needs to happen. Maintaining human decency in the face of whatever comes, Someone in one of the online posting groups said (and I paraphrase), affirming a kind of moral and ethical coherence, preserving “How do you fight a ‘War on Terror’ since Terror is a nebulous term, memory, defending human personhood and all the intercon- has existed forever, and has no borders?” And it’s true. The WOT is a nectedness of the phenomenal world — these thin reeds are all we have. By articulating a coherent refusal of capital and the never-ending cycle of reactionary-military-policy. It’s a banner to stand new megamachine it generated, those who question the grid, the in front of while giving a speech to the frightened masses. How do we state, and the world they require may make a small opening for change this? How do we reduce the fear and promote common sense? others to follow, encouraging practical responses as well as the Well, one thing working for us is time: as time passes, people will natu- communal solidarity that represents our only hope for survival. rally become less afraid and slip back into their normal routines. This can be countered, though, by the new Politics of Fear that both parties While 11:55 may be the time on the clock, all we have is right now. participated in (the Republicans being much better at it, though). If you Ryan Mishap publishes Mishap. Contact him at PO Box 5841, Eugene OR are an active Democrat, push for less Politics of Fear, and promote more 97405 or [email protected]. reality-based thinking. But, let’s face it, we will never win a war on the abstract notion of Terror – we can kill and imprison terrorists, and we can Susan Boren: strong-arm the individuals who fund them into not funding the terrorists After reading endless reports about rigged voting machines and voter anymore, but terrorism will always be a reality as long as there are ways suppression in Florida and Ohio, I couldn’t avoid the conclusion that the to cause harm (something as easily acquired as a gun) and people willing election was stolen. The Republicans now control the federal government, to sacrifice their lives for a “greater” cause. America only makes itself a and the election’s lasting impression on me, especially after Senator Ker- larger target when it openly “nation builds” against the will of a people ry’s premature concession, is one of powerlessness and paranoia. And you who are having “democracy” heaped onto their heads. These nations will know, it’s not even the mounting evidence of vote-rigging that makes me so become a breeding ground, or at the very least a rallying symbol, for new sick – it’s the fact that the Democrats aren’t loudly contesting the election terrorists. The more America “goes it alone” (even with the blessings of results, even though disturbing accusations of massive fraud continue to England and Poland!), the more we will be seen as a non-member of the circulate. Why? Why are they rolling over? And even more importantly, world stage. I believe it was Salman Rushdie who said (to the best of my why don’t the Democrats know how to bring a progressive agenda into memory), “You do not defeat Saddam Hussein with bombs and missiles, power? It’s maddening to invest even the slightest hope in them – soul- you defeat him with ideas and commerce.” And the statement remains {18} true. Even with Saddam in custody, the unrest in the region continues, conquest against already colonized peoples. I reject white supremacy and not because of his influence, but because of the lack of desire of the people refuse the subordination of women. I affirm an ethic of total non-coopera- in the region to simply allow the US Government to enter their country tion with tyranny. and set up shop. An influx of ideas and goods should have been the seeds Sunfrog is editor of the Fifth Estate. Contact him at PO Box 6, Liberty TN of Saddam’s demise, just like in the final downfall of the Soviet Union. 37095 or [email protected]. The Capitalism ideal, even with its non-stop consumerism, allows for the most freedom in a controlled environment, and people respond to it. Heck, Harry & Helen Highwater: China, the last bastion of Communism, has acknowledged that the small, Let’s get straight to the point: The Bush administration is filled with privately owned businesses it allows to operate are necessary for modern nuts and criminals, nutty criminals, and criminal nuts. Of course, most China to even exist! politicians on the national scale are at least a little bonkers or corrupt So what can we do as zinesters? Our strength comes from the fact — it’s a given, if you see yourself as empowered to write laws millions of that we travel in enlightened circles and we have connections to other people must follow or face arrest. But the Bush administration presents a enlightened people in other countries. Use those connections to spread unique, vivid danger to freedom in America. the word that not all Americans are supportive of the “nation building” Bush and his cohorts hate freedom, with a passion. This is the underly- coming from Washington. Write anti-WOT zines and send them free to ing message behind almost every policy decision they’ve made. It’s not just the strong zine communities in Australia and the UK and Canada. At the their disinterest in civil rights, women’s rights, and common sense. It’s not very least, these small groups will know that America hasn’t gone com- just the infamous PATRIOT Act, which gives police unprecedented powers pletely to the right, and perhaps there’s a chance that a more moder- to snoop into your personal affairs, without any warrant or reason. It’s not ate political outlook is just around the corner in 2008. I don’t support just that the Bush gang has misappropriated America’s military might any one political website. Actually, many of them are fronts for the and killed enough Iraqis to fill dozens of toppling World Trade Centers. It’s new 529 PACs, which, in my view, are little better than the special in- not just that they disregard the Geneva Conventions and America’s Bill of terest lobbyists riddling the Washington landscape. But, if you do your Rights, or that Bush says God speaks through him. research and feel strongly about any one group’s stance on issues, the They’re killing democracy in America. In 2000, to take power, the Bush best thing you can do is send them some money. Money is one of the campaign sued to stop votes from being counted. Republicans won several most powerful weapons in politics, and it seems that the more money a races in 2002 and now Bush has been “re-elected,” despite late polls and party (or its supporters) has, the better chance that party has of being exit polls saying otherwise. Evidence points to mysterious “voting ma- elected. chines,” manufactured by outspoken Republicans, machines with Grand There are no whole or simple answers to the overall problems facing Canyonesque security holes that let vote totals be tweaked until the right America today. Fear and a retreat back into the 1950’s mindset is current- candidate wins. ly what we’re facing as a collective – so it’s our responsibility as writers But you won’t read or hear about this in the mainstream media, unless and creative minds to spread our views and plant the seeds needed to bring it’s with an anchorman’s chuckle about tin foil hats and who shot JFK. everyone back to a more open-minded, world-friendly, American society. Them’s the facts, and the question is asked: What should we do about Bob Sheairs publishes Bob. Contact him at 30 Locust Ave., Westmont NJ it? 08108 or [email protected]. Practically speaking, there’s not much we can do, when every principle that made America great is flushed down the toilet by an administra- Sunfrog: tion that’s stolen the White House twice. We can’t topple these criminals Dig deep, people. We need a greater courage to face the next four years through votes, when the votes aren’t counted and the news isn’t reported. without fear. What we can’t do is sit by and do nothing. For someone who rejects the sham premise of imperial democracy, I’ve So what’s the answer to Jerianne’s question, what should we do? We can spent too much time over the last few months cheering the contender, hop- challenge the Bush gang’s legitimacy through our one remaining weapon: ing that a clear popular sentiment would handily denounce and repudiate The truth. Tell the truth, to anyone who’ll listen. the warmonger and chieftain. Put it in your zine. Say it on-line. Write letters to the editor. Wear a but- I’ve endured lectures from my more principled comrades who saw my ton or t-shirt. Buy a bumper sticker. Tell friends and neighbors, co-work- capitulation as either a character flaw or symptomatic of a larger despera- ers and strangers on the bus, that the Bush administration is criminal tion. I’ve listened to others in my situation complain of the pathetic, sick — charlatan, not Christian, and a greater threat to America than Saddam humiliation they felt in the voting booth. We joined this game, and at least Hussein ever was. for now, we have lost. Our claims of legitimate rage over the last four years A lot of people won’t listen, but some will. And anyone who listens with have been dealt a blow; today, it’s not the meaningless figurehead that an open mind will be receptive to the facts. When you reach someone, tell has meaning but the faith the grassroots shock troops proudly relinquish them to tell others. At some point, when the truth is whispered widely to him. In a razor thin, suspense-filled fight, considered by many to be a enough, it won’t matter what the newscasters say or won’t say. The truth credible and calculated triumph of the American system and spectacle, the will take on a life of its own. selection process tilted towards the Bush regime. But even more than that, Take some time off to watch sit-coms, play Bingo, or drink beer once the well-organized and well-funded right wing of the continent confirmed in a while, because wild-eyed fanatics make a lousy first impression. But its zealous hatred of human diversity and horizontal freedom. spread the word when you can, and you can spread the word today. Don’t What can we do to resist? What can we do to fight? If there are people in let it go unspoken, when your government is stolen and your freedoms are the streets to dispute this defeat of the lesser evil, where is the rage about whittled away. the next attack on Fallujah? And if you don’t understand or don’t accept what crimes, what theft, and The enemy feels vindicated in its visionary pursuit of end-times evan- what whittled freedoms we’re talking about, then you’re part of the prob- gelical warfare, and the sober fundamentals of a fundamentalist, neo-fas- lem. Please, spend an hour or two researching the facts. Is that too much cist regime are guns, their god, and a hatred for gays. Why do we need to to ask, for your country? Any library will have a wide selection of books by fight for our right to fuck whom we want? How fierce must we be to match former Bush administration officials who’ve developed a conscience. Or if this hyper-moralist hypocrisy? From the sovereign outposts of our parallel the library scares you, go online and Google “Bush lies” or “Bush crimes.” universes, we must reload and rethink. An anti-hedonist demon is loose Be skeptical of what you find, always — but don’t tell yourself lies like in the woods of my red-state Babylon. Like a rogue canine, their inverse “It can’t happen here,” because it can happen here. It is happening here. trickster trumps my decadent hoodoo defiance with a theocratic theft of Harry & Helen Highwater publish the website unknownnews.net. Contact truth. them at PO Box 1333, Madison WI 53701 or [email protected]. Today, I mourn a major defeat in the emotional psychology of spectacle, in the symbolic trenches of the culture wars. Without apology, I affirm the free sexuality of all humans, especially of all queers everywhere. I op- Gianni Simone: Some Horrible Truths pose the neo-slavery of workers in the global south and the further wars of I recently read several articles about the US presidential campaign, {19} both before and after George W. Bush was re-elected, and I noticed a couple Gianni Simone publishes Call & Response. Contact him at 3-3-23 Na- of interesting things that some of the authors of those pieces apparently gatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama-shi, 226-0027 Kanagawa-ken, Japan or didn’t think about. Most of them, by the way, were against Bush. [email protected]. Many of them (e.g. Helen and Harry Highwater of www.unknownnews. net; Ted Rall in his column that appears regularly in the Japan Times) Bloody Mary’s Cool Sister: Planting Seeds wrote long lists of all the bad things that Bush and his team had done in The morning after Election Day felt like one big hangover. It was like a the last four years. After the election, Rall even commented (in “Confes- gray shroud covered everything. People on the bus were unusually quiet. sions of a Coastal, Cultural Elitist”) that, “By any objective standard, you All my co-workers, at least those who had bothered to vote, moped around had to be spectacularly stupid to support President George W. Bush.” This like they’d lost their best friend. We kept hoping that Kerry would hold out comment, of course, implies that what Bush has done until now must be for an Ohio recount, but no. By the end of lunch hour he had conceded. seen as something bad. Well, think again. America, you are an ass, I thought. I’d worked so hard. I’d donated The first horrible truth to be learned, in my opinion, is that what is money. America, why couldn’t you do the right thing? black for me can be white for someone else. I became aware of this when Later, I found myself thinking about a conversation I’d had at a party I was a college student and shared an apartment with my best friend. We about a year ago. We were trying to figure out what was the last Great never talked about politics. Then one day I said something bad about one American Leftist Novel, the novel everyone read, not just English profes- of the many useless tiny Italian conservative parties of the time, and my sors and hip people under 30. Our most recent candidates were The Wom- friend objected to my words, adding he had voted for it. I was shocked. Un- en’s Room and Woman at the Edge of Time. They came out when I was in til that time, I had been naïve enough to believe that being young meant high school — an embarrassingly long time ago. belonging to the Left (at the time, the Communist Party was the second I thought about all the “Great” American Right Novels produced since political force in Italy). I couldn’t possibly imagine how my friend or any then. (And by “great,” I don’t necessarily mean good. I mean something other college student could support a bunch of corrupted thieves and li- that, for whatever reason, works, and touches something deep in a large ars. Now, after many years and especially after Silvio Berlusconi (another number of people.) Most notably, there’s the recently concluded Left Be- thief who should be in prison right now) has been chosen twice as Prime hind series. My ex-boss used to read them; people on the bus read them; Minister, and has proceeded to methodically sink my home country (yes, even young boys at the barbershop read them. One of my friends, who is having a bad bad man on top of the government is not a unique American a manager at the local Borders, told me the hysteria surrounding a new feature), I know that anything is possible. It’s true, some people (many installment of Left Behind was second only to Harry Potter. Now that’s people, it seems) must be really out of their mind to choose this scum as saying something. their leaders. After all, not few Italians justified their choice by saying If you truly want to find out just how terrified some people are, it’s all that because Berlusconi was already immensely rich, he couldn’t possibly in there. They’re so scared, they’re hoping for the world to end. No wonder steal the taxpayers’ money… But who are we to say that we are right? they all voted for Bush. The thing is: I’m scared too. I worry about how Who says that abortion (killing innocent babies, for Christsake!) is a good things will be when I’m old. Will there even be Social Security? Will the thing? Who says that gay people (them bloody faggots!!!) have the right to buses still run? Will I be able to afford my medicines? But despite my fear, marry (how disgusting! God help me!!). Iraq had nothing to do with the I do not wish for the Apocalypse. Like Prior in Angels in America, I want terrorist? So what?! We did them a favor to bomb them and liberate them more life. from Saddam Hussein (those ungrateful infidels…). Rall calls these people All those terrified people in the heartland aren’t monsters (or red-necks, stupid because “72% of those who voted for Bush (…) believed that Iraq or Bible-thumpers, or idiots, or whatever pejorative comes to mind). Like had weapons of mass destruction” and other irrefutable lies. Apparently it or not, they are our neighbors. Some of them are even our relatives. We he failed to understand that people, far from being cheated, often believe have to live with them. We have to work with them. After all, they’re half just what they want to believe, and choose accordingly what or who backs the voting population, and we all can’t afford to move to Canada. their convictions. I spend most of my leisure time in an intellectual ghetto. I hang out (As an aside to this reasoning, I’ve noticed that somehow the conserva- with people who agree with me; I read poetry to audiences that agree with tive front always seems to be more united than the progressive one. All the me; I write zines for people who share my views. I’ll admit it. I can be lazy. groups and parties on the left side of the political spectrum seem to spend It’s easier that way. as much time fighting among themselves as they do to fight the “enemy.” But occasionally, I get knocked out of my comfort zone. Back when I was Not a clever move, really.) doing my first zine-novel thingy, Sweet Jesus, I did an issue on racism. One last thing I’d like to point out concerns what H. & H. Highwater It got more responses than anything I’ve written before or since. One of wrote in “Rescuing America from Tyranny.” For five pages, they wrote all them was from a White separatist living in Colorado. We struck a up a the right things. Then right at the end, everything starts going to pieces. correspondence that lasted several months. Mostly we argued. Somewhere While trying to draw a comparison between today’s America and the new- in there it came up that I was Black. He was astounded. born country of 1776, they say: “We believe any principled patriot would “Why didn’t you tell me just to fuck off?” he asked. ask President Bush (…) to do the only honorable thing – resign. And if “Cuz you were a good sparring partner,” I wrote back. “You could string these present-day leaders ran for re-election instead, we believe Ameri- together a decent sentence and although I totally disagree with your views cans of 1776 would reach for their muskets.” Well, it might be that people on race, I get the feeling you’re not a complete asshole.” in Europe are more cynical than in the US, and few of us still buy into the “Y’know,” said the next postcard, “you’re really something. I’m going to myth of the American Dream and the “fight for freedom,” but even though I have to think about this.” have to admit that I don’t know many things about early American history, Well, I planted a seed. Maybe he changed; maybe he didn’t. I believe that many of this country’s founding fathers were more interested Anyway: that’s what I’m going to do for however long it takes to get in their particular affairs than in the people’s well-being. As for respecting things to go in another direction. In addition to writing zines, marching in other people’s rights, you only have to think about the internment camps demonstrations, reading poetry, doing art, and bugging the hell out of my for the Japanese (or I should say, American citizens of Japanese descent) elected officials (whether I voted for them or not), I will endeavor to plant during World War Two, or the Witch Hunt against American Communists, more seeds. I will reach over the great divide to tell my story, swallow my to realise that the recent Patriot Act is just part of a long American tradi- pride, and truly listen to others. And maybe I can show them that we’re tion. Torturing people? How about all the Latin American dictatorships not so different after all. It’s a small, difficult gesture, but one that’s sorely the US government – any US government – has supported? And of course needed. I guess I don’t even have to mention what America has done to the Blacks Real change happens one person at a time. and the Native Americans before them. Bloody Mary’s Cool Sister publishes Etidorhpa and several other zines. All this said, I find President Bush only stands out because he has man- Contact her at PMB 170, 40 E. Main St., Newark DE 19711 or marybld@aol. aged to concentrate all these things in few years, and hasn’t bothered to com. hide his policies behind a smoke screen. God bless America. And the rest of the world, too.

{20} zines streets, and all. These are well-known figures: how she found the courage to give her zine to The2ndHand #13: Short newsletter-type layout the stoic, muscle-bound alien, the restless strangers. Read this light perzine if you want consisting of three stories, two of which I didn’t teenage girl, the dim-witted hitmen, the politi- to make your own zine and find the thought a get. The lone standout, “Graveyard Shift” is a cian with a secret, and – perhaps most clichéd bit overwhelming; take your cue from Victo- well-written piece about working the 11-7 shift of all – the wise-counseling, angelic ghost of ria and jump right in. Topics include: how to at an all night diner. “You Are In Desperate Joan of Arc. Also a little heavy on the exposi- make a friendship box, Spring Break thoughts, Search of Money” reads like the author pulled tion and subplots – I hope the next issue picks poetry, and lip gloss recommendations. Victo- sentences out of a paper bag and strung them up the pace. Michael Cavallaro, True Believer ria Sweet, PO Box 2934, Cupertino CA 95015- together, example: “Feed on choppy bodies, Press, PO Box 974, New Brunswick NJ 08903, 2935, [email protected] [$2+2 stamps, giving its memories musical-great sound that [email protected], www. 66thou or trade, ftp 22S :40] –Anu needed a name. Pizza delivers its voice.” Huh? sandmilesperhour.com [$3.50 36M :20] –Susan Alice in New York: This is the first installment [free 4M :15] –Anu B. of a planned graphic novel. If the first proper The2ndHand #14 (Summer 2004): This lit AB #3: All text, submission-driven zine “dis- book edition is intended to be 100 pages long, it zine features short fiction, mostly by younger cussing how and where to live better and will be a breezy read indeed. Beginning in 1989, authors. Among their numerous ventures, longer.” Dancing in strip bars (living better?), this first issue covers Henry’s arrival in the city, including recent anthology AllHandsOn, the using gliders for transport (get a bike, dude), meeting his bed and breakfast hostess Carol, publishers have corralled a lot of quality writ- discussions, reprints from MRR on children’s and initial fortuitous welcome to the Big Apple. ing. This edition contains two stories. Susan- clothing choices and on elections, herbs, zine I’m not overly impressed by Henry’s page de- nah Joy Felts’ “Errol, Inland” is the standout, listings, and more. Maybe I got a bad issue, but sign or artwork – think a sloppy Matt Madden, a subtle Sunday story about love lost, ongoing I didn’t like this. It’s choppy, confusing, and the perhaps – but this issue does feature several struggles, the limits of friendship, and the need comments of the editors fall right into those two memorable moments. The opening vignette on to take a stand. Worth exploring to be intro- adjectives. Light Living Library, PO Box 190, an overheard conversation about love – and for- duced to largely unknown writers we should all Philomath OR 97370 [$2 18S :23] –Mishap tune – found, p. 9’s sidewalk still lives, p. 21’s know about. PO Box 479045, Chicago IL 60647, lovely lust, and p. 24’s call to “be smart despite [email protected], www.the2ndhand.com Adventures in Youth Work #1: Focused on yourself” all show promise. One to follow, per- [free 4M :08] –Heath dating violence affecting young adults. Pieces haps. Henry Chamberlain, 1545 NW 53rd St. on dating violence and YA fiction, prevention 6:30 Titty v1: What’s truly fascinating about #1, Seattle WA 98107, inkwellspring@yahoo. and analysis, “Embracing the Word ‘Bitch’: this massive dream diary is the surreal, yet com [$? 28S :03] –Heath Transgressive or Oppressive?” and gender in- completely recognizable picture of Mike’s wak- teraction in the context of the hip-hop genera- All This Is Mine #10: A departure from its usu- ing life that emerges from his dream narra- tion/youth of color. While the writing is a bit al perzine format, this arts-and-crafts-themed tives. Clear, mostly non-interpretive recalling choppy and assumes a level of familiarity with issue is supplemented with a baggie of crafty of dreams (complemented by a super-clean lay- the subject matter/terms used in discussion, treats: beads, paper fragments, comics, fun! out) invites the reader to dig through Mike’s this zine was interesting and posed intrigu- Easy-to-follow how-to articles divulge the se- busy, half-submerged emotional life. The re- ing questions. I’d like to see a lot more zines crets of mobile-making, zippered pouches, and occurrence of imagery – especially media im- from people involved in sexual assault support gold-leafing, plus there are recipes for enve- agery – is an interesting sidenote, as well as and prevention programs. Check it out. Mari- lope flap gum, snacks, and fancy personal-care the high school contexts that linger on long ame Kaba, PO Box 608548, Chicago IL 60660, products. All thumbs when it comes to craft- after graduation. Really, this is a remarkable [email protected] [$1 US, $2 world, no ing? Not to worry, the instructions are leav- achievement. Mike, 3616 University Ave. #7, trades, not ftp 28S :18] –Mishap ened with plenty of humor and encouragement. Des Moines IA 50311, [email protected] (“Don’t mess up! I’m watching you!”) C’mon [$5 80M 3:00+] –Susan B. Afraid of Boredom #1 is a disappointing teen- crafters! Don’t you deserve a little DIY luxury? zine cliché. Primping girls struggle with body 66 Thousand Miles Per Hour #0: Glossy, beau- Sugene Mine, 5245 College Ave. #718, Oakland image and self-esteem; generic boys defy inti- tifully drawn comic weaves a complex narra- CA 94618, [email protected], http://allthisis macy and authority in their “rebellious loose tive around art school wannabe Evie Pryce, mine.com [$5-$6 sliding scale, no trades, not jeans.” Other staples of teen angst include hor- two mobster hit men and supernatural fallout ftp, no back issues 40S :45] –Susan B. monal love poetry, bad jokes, philosophy (“Ev- from an accident at the local street fair. It’s erything is a little cruel.”), and lists. Oy. I don’t Almost Normal Comics and Other Oddities hard to tell where the story is headed, but the have much interest in seeing issue #2 of this #1: Any zine that includes “Fun Facts About execution is so good that I’ll follow it anywhere. friendly, colorful zine, but then again, what do Severed Heads” gets my attention. Who knew [$5.50 36S :10] –Abby I know? I’m actually quite old and cranky. [$1 there were so many things to know about them? 66 Thousand Miles Per Hour #1: This slick, 12S :10] –Susan B. There are a ton of different comics in this zine; black-and-white comic book employs a small Afraid of Boredom #2: Victoria’s second effort some are beautifully drawn while others are crowd of familiar characters to tell the story of shows off a color cover and a fun cut-and- little more than warped-looking stone things, an alien who abducts an entire town: houses, paste collaged layout. It was inspiring to read but all of them are fairly odd. The zine lives up

{21} About Our Reviews In brackets after the reviews, you’ll find three things: • First is the price, postpaid within the United States. Prices for foreign delivery are shown, when known, after the American price. “$?” means no price was listed. - “Age stmt” is short for “age statement,” and it means you’ll have to enclose a signed note saying something like, “I’m requesting this matieral for my own entertainment, and I’m over 21 years of age.” - “Trade” means, if you send ‘em your zine and they like it, you might receive a zine in exchange. There are no guarantees. If the recipient does not like your zine, you might get nothing. - “The Usual” means you might wrangle a copy of a zine just by sending a chatty letter or something handmade and/or wonderful (like your own zine!). - ATTENTION PRISONERS: We ask zine publishers to specify whether they give free copies to prisoners. 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{22} to its name. Very fun, worth checking out. W.E. tion to the disagreeableness of the work per- Astoria NY 11105, [email protected], Elliot, PO Box 12822, Ft. Huachuca AZ 85670, formed, so everyone would be motivated to www.inkylagoon.com [$1.50 cash or check 16S [email protected], almostnormal work together toward the greater good. Pretty :10] –Tom comics.tripod.com [$3.50 US, $4.50 Canada, no worthwhile, though nothing unexpected. Bad Are We on Mars Yet?: Okay, it’s Daria and trades, not ftp, check/mo to W.E. Elliott, Pay- Press, PO Box 230332, Anchorage AK 99523- Jane, very weakly reprising their roles from Pal on website 97M :45] –Nicole 0332, [email protected], world.std.com/ the Daria cartoon. Gone are the extremely ~bbrigade [$1 12S :40] –Abby Amnesty International House of Pancakes #1: witty comments on mundane society, and we This is the debut issue of a young peace activist’s Anderson Valley Advertiser v52#28 (July 14, see Daria and Jane as absolute shills for Yul’s perzine. Includes a dream analysis, a found pic- 2004): This seems to be a summer of transition. ideas, which it seems he just stole from some ture, a five-page conversation on activism with Apparently, the Advertiser’s publisher is mov- random crack-pot website. Yul’s style in draw- his dad (who is also an activist), etc. Try the ing and the weekly Mendocino County paper ing Daria and Jane is absolutely perfect, and deciphering game; you might win a copy of the may soon have “north” and “south” offices, if he puts them in positions that would not have next issue! Tristan, 1065 SE 6th Ave., Dania FL not editions (the change isn’t fully explained been on any character sheets, so I think he ac- 33004, [email protected] [$1 US, in this issue). Still, the paper remains as out- tually drew them, a plus in that column. Yul $2 world, or trade, ftp 18S :35 ] –Christine spoken, personal, political, and smart as ever. Tolbert, PO Box 02222, Detroit MI 48202-9998, Were every local weekly – small town, rural, [email protected] [free, or trade 12S :07] Anarchist Black Cross Network Newsletter and otherwise – this spirited and invested in –James (Winter/Spring 2004): This newspaper-format its chosen community, the world would be a collage newsletter aims to connect prison aboli- Autocaust: “Beef.” Thirty-four pages of pseudo- better place. Parts of this edition address local tion activists together and “help embolden the experimental ranting and half-thoughts in elections, cell phone towers, the dearth – if not idea of anarchy.” The contents consist mostly of verse form: dark, whiny, apocalyptic, eerie, death – of the Green Party, flag stealing, 4-H slogans, emails, and letters, plus an article ta- terse, pretentious, aggrandized, and non-stop. camp (a report written by a camper!), and the ken from a website, a poem, and the addresses, About as alarming and primal as a baby’s cry- ever-encroaching northern California wine in- websites, and goals of various groups. More ing in a packed movie theater, and twice as an- dustry. Pay special attention to the letters to researched articles would probably make this noying. [$? 34S :20] –eric the editor, Charmian Blattner’s column, Vine newsletter much more interesting. South Chi- Autocaust: “Coincidence.” Poetry journal which Watch, Off the Record, and the sheriff’s and cago ABC Zine Distro, PO Box 721, Homewood runs the gamut of tones from discontented to fire/rescue logs. If the Arcata Eye can publish IL 60430, [email protected], www.anar vaguely discontented. Some of it is actually an anthology, why not the Advertiser? Box 459, chistblackcross.org [1 stamp, or trade, ftp 8XL pretty good, especially the poems by writers Boonville CA 95415, [email protected], www. :30] –Christine who use all three of their names. Nothing says theava.com [$1 12XL :12] –Heath sophistication like a middle name! SevenTen Anarchist King of Alphabet City #2: The most Anti-Media #2: Why does it seem like every Bishop, 710 N. Bishop, Chicago IL 60622, www. solid publication yet from Dada revivalist An- person who works in a porn store writes a seventenbishop.com [$? 36S :40] –Dan drew Octopus. His absurdly rough drawings zine? Well, at least this one kept my atten- have gained complexity, and his Burroughsian Automatic Robotics: “Revised.” A playful am- tion – all four pages of it. The zine comprises “cut-up” prose bleeds rare warmth. Not for the ble into Damon’s world of women, robots, and three pieces: a bit on porn store sales, a semi- easily frustrated, but suggested to those who’d duck-dogs cursing at ornery teddy bears. In creepy piece about not going to the doctor after like a head start scorning the legion of hard-tok- the moist, creamy center is a fretful tale about an accident, and some random rambling. The ing wannabes Andrew’s bound to spawn. [:19] the dangers of hunting duck-dogs. Tastes like: cool part is that a CD of Chris’ cable access –Emerson •••SECOND OPINION: This rebel- roasted duck-dog. Don’t ask me! Ask: Damon show is included (.avi format – use Windows lious artzine protests “linear expression and Belanger, PO Box 311, Belmont CA 94002- media player to view). Lots of random goofi- Newtonian ideas about geometry,” with some 0311, [email protected], www.da ness abounds: a segment starring some plastic success. Adventurous readers will be asked to monbelanger.com [$4 48S :13] –Jaina green army men, bizarre and funny anima- follow spiraling, handwritten text; decipher tions, off-the-wall skits and the drink of the Baby Bloc #1: Honestly, I believe that if you do ominous, interpretive passages; and ponder the show (a cool animation showing how to make have kids, you should continue to have a life significance of drawings obscured by overlap- a Fuzzy Navel). The effect on the whole is en- and involve the kids in your own projects when- ping imagery, murky backgrounds, and limited tertaining; this guy has a lot of extra energy. ever possible. I think it’s the liberal politics in artistic ability. Intentionally and unintention- Includes a homemade sticker. Chris Miller, 59 this zine that I have the problem with, not ally, conventional thinking quickly dissolves Greene St., Pawtucket RI 02860, Jjape@yahoo. the fact that these parents bring their kids to inside this arrangement of random, meaning- com, groups.yahoo.com/group/chrismillershow demonstrations. They did include queer-mom rich symbols. It’s like listening to an ecstatic, [50¢, or trades preferable 4S + CD :07 + :28 for issues and also an emphasis on activism sur- drug-induced monologue: “The revolution will CD] –Anu rounding the School of the Americas. [12S :10] be etherized!” Andrew Penland, 149 Newfound –artnoose St., Canton NC 28716, [email protected], Archipelago #2: Seven short cartoon stories Baby Bloc #2: I have a certain amount of dis- www.creativegoals.com/andrewoctopus [$2, no (plus a button on the back that is worth the cost dain for both hippies and babies, so be aware trades, ftp 40S :25] –Susan B. by itself) tell of accumulating too much junk, that I am not necessarily the best person to be an alien abduction story, a daydream that Anchorage Anarchy #4: Anarchist zine that reviewing this. It’s a guide for radical activists turns into the 9/11 nightmare, etc. My favorite argues voting is a waste of time, emphasis on with kids, featuring a couple of book reviews, a was a one-panel cartoon of her dream house culture leads to harmful stereotypes and cul- cute story about a toddler at a rally, some infor- with such rooms as the quiet room, the anti- tural relativism, and why it’s inherently con- mation on the legal rights of minors, and pho- gravity chamber, and the geek room. It was tradictory to both oppose the war in Iraq and tos of children being used as protest props. If fun to spend a few minutes with this zinester. I support the troops. An 1865 essay by activist you find the phrase “there’s room in our womb recommend it. Sharon Furgason, PO Box 5735, Josiah Warren advocates paying labor in rela- for revolution!” inspiring and empowering,

{23} well, here you go. I, on the other hand, found area, presented in glorious desktop newsletter Big Hammer #7: A quality poetry zine with this entire endeavor unbearably precious and format. There’s creative writing galore in this a wide variety of contributors, all somehow smug. [12S :15] –Karlos upbeat publication, but most of it only reached touching on the subject of laundry. The poetry Baby Bloc #3: Interesting zine for activists “in a out to me superficially … with one notable ex- is edgy, accessible, and easy to lose yourself family way.” Tons of information here, whether ception. On the subject of books, Barry Alfonso in. Lots of great imagery and storytelling in a it be about baby ladybugs, children’s role in writes, “–without prompting, they whisper selection of different voices. Nice color cover. labor activism or the health risks of tuna to their contents when left alone too long. They Something for everyone. Read this while doing low-income mothers. Karen Kirkwood’s stand- make a claim on those of us who can hear your own laundry. Dave Roskos, PO Box 54, out, thoughtful piece on moral compromise and them.” Uh, this has actually happened to me Manasquan NJ 08736, iniquitypress@hotmail. parenting makes it clear that these folks are … many, many times. 1404 Bright Sky Court, com, iniquitypress.com [$5 65M :50] –Anu doing more than putting combat boots on their LaVergne TN 37086, [email protected], Big Pinch World #1: This perzine’s title is lifted toddlers – they’re working daily to raise re- [email protected], www.beatlick. from a Bukowski quote and makes reference sponsible, self-actualized people. Also provides com [$? 16S :20] –Susan B. to an embarrassing moment in the author’s a list of other activist parenting zines. Laurel Becalmed (one shot): A color photocopied or la- childhood. It’s an engaging selection of per- Dykstra & Bruce Triggs, 449 E. 8th St., Van- ser-printed edition, this is a DIY catalog and sonal writings concerning the author’s dying couver BC V7L 1Z4, Canada, babybloc@yahoo. program for Russell’s MFA thesis exhibit at father, deceased friend, and a scary tornado com, www.babybloc.org [$2, or trade for “mama the Art Sinner College of Design in Pasadena. experience. The fact that the author is past zines,” free to parents in prison 12S :30] –Abby Combining photographs of tomb archways, dis- post-adolescent awkwardness lends a certain Band Aid Cancer #1: Wow, this was boring. If tressed walls, cloudscapes, facades, and found maturity to his writing. I also liked the pho- I hadn’t been reviewing it, I surely would have objects with appear to be three sections of found tos and school report cards included for liter- given up before I was halfway through. Stu text or original writing, the digest doesn’t do ary ambience. Recommended. [:20] –artnoose tells a tale of “weekend vagrancy” with excruci- much to share Russell’s skill or validate his •••SECOND OPINION: Randy calls his zine ating detail and inscrutable handwriting. The overall vision. More meaningful if you expe- “an amateurishly produced, poorly focused, story never really goes anywhere, never even rienced the exhibit, I’m sure. Fingers crossed stapled-together mess,” and, really, he’s being ventures into analysis of the minutiae to which he got his master’s! Christopher Russell, 745 a bit hard on himself. There’s some lovely writ- the reader is subjected. This probably serves as Maltman Ave., Los Angeles CA 90026 [$? 12S ing here, notably in a rambling but genuinely a good record for Stu, but I can’t imagine why :01] –Heath moving story about his father. But I can’t help anyone else would want to read this. Frame of thinking that his self-deprecation is really The Beginning: “and he seemed like such a nice Choice Zine Distro, 240 E. Kline Ave., Lans- a self-fulfilling prophecy, because I feel that boy.” I actually really like the layout of this com- ford PA 18232, [email protected] [$1+2 if he focused more and trusted himself more, ic zine, and the story – tales of a 20-something stamps, or trade 30S :20] –Abby he could really have something. Until he does with sometimes sketchy housemates – isn’t that, though, what he has is a near-miss. Randy Barry Pago: Crime Scene Photographer: Holy bad, either. The only thing that I don’t like, in Osborne, PO Box 1912, Mill Valley CA 94942, cow. And how. As always, Jamie’s delight- fact, is the pervasive use of “alternative” spell- [email protected] [$2, “or fair trade” fully dark depictions deliver a surprisingly ef- ings (kewl, friendz, etc.). I find it distracting, 25S :17] –Steve ficient emotional effect. Blending Greg Cook’s and I wonder if it would affect the content of anthropomorphic cartoonishness with Hans the zine to change the writing style that much. Black Velvet #39: A slick fanzine from the UK Rickheit’s ghastly gaze, this mini – complete Rio, PMB 25, 898 S. Van Ness Ave., San Fran- devoted to good old-fashioned rock and roll that with characteristic label-affixed covers – really cisco CA 94110 [$? 16M :20] –artnoose will soon be celebrating its 10th anniversary. packs a punch. A cyborganic penguin working This issue includes interviews with Thursday, The Bet: Quick mini-comic about two strang- as a new-school Weegee cannot contain his Ashba, and Lostprophets. The bulk of the zine ers who meet outside a restaurant’s bathrooms cannibalistic urges while his son – a frustrated is devoted to reviews of CDs, band demos, con- and make a bet on which one will come open photographer himself – also goes too far. The cert DVDs, and live performances. Most of the first. The embarrassment this causes leads me final six complete pages are absolutely price- reviews are positive, but that’s because editor to think it could be based on a real experience. less, contributing a catastrophic closure while Shari Black Velvet would rather not waste pre- Cute and funny. Mark McMurray, 71 W. 33rd pulling the heartstrings and providing a play- cious space on things she doesn’t like. Even St., Bayonne NJ 07002, joikmeister@hotmail. fully pathetic look at the father-son dynamic. A though most of the bands featured were not my com, mark.mcmurray.de [50¢ 16XS :03] – real call to pause and wonder. Jamie Tanner, cup of tea, I could clearly recognize the passion Jerianne 10 Ocean Pkwy. Apt. E15, Brooklyn NY 11218, and effort that went into this zine. If this kind [email protected], www.jamietanner. Big Fag #1: Meandering musings on the na- of music is your thing, this is the zine for you. com [$? 36XS :01] –Heath ture of tattoos, growing into a different person, Shari Black Velvet, 336 Birchfield Rd., Web- crushes and relationships alike, and a rant heath, Redditch, Worcs. B974NG, England, Batteries Not Included v11#4: Long-running against the metrosexualization of “straight [email protected], www.black zine about sex and the sex industry has an in- boyz” are made more immediate by the fact velvetmagazine.com [$6 US, $8 Canada & Aus- terview with oversized bisexual Candye Kane, that this unbound zine solely consists of twelve tralia, 5 euro Europe, £2.50 England 34M :30] an article on Traci Lords, sex in the Dominican run-on sentences. Pictures of tattoos break up –Bloody Mary Republic, erotic tickling and more. Text only, the mono-spaced text, but I still found myself no photos. Richard Freeman, 513 N. Central The Blind Man’s Rainbow vIX#3 (Spring 2004): having to take a big breath every few minutes. Ave., Fairborn OH 45324, [email protected] [$3 I’m not a bad person. I like some poetry, I do. Don’t let the title (or beautiful woodblock cover) ‘though furreners need to send $4,’ checks ok to But sometimes you gotta ask yourself, when scare you away. Inquisitor Mediarama, PO Box Richard Freeman 12M :15] –Tom putting together a massive collection of me- 132, New York NY 10024, bigfag@inquisitor. diocre poetry and art: “Why am I doing this? Beatlick News vII #21: Useful networking tool com, www.inquisitor.com [$2 32XS :35] –An- Who is it for?” And if you come to the conclu- for performing poets living in the Nashville drew

{24} sion that the only people who are likely to trated against Iraqi prisoners. It’s a bit redun- –Bloody Mary read it are those who you’ve included inside, dant, since many articles resemble each other; Bummers & Gummers #13: We at ZW have maybe you should stop. Or at least think about fewer and shorter articles would probably long wondered what happened to this zine and skipping an issue here or a volume there. The make this subject easier to approach and read were glad to see it show up in our mailbox. This poetry here is, even for someone who gener- about. Although the editor has an annoying tabloid is full of stories and advice from the ally doesn’t mind the stuff, spine-shudderingly habit of writing about himself in the 3rd person, simpler life. Even if you can’t make a modest bad, like a reverse orgasm. The illustrations his New Age articles were the ones I enjoyed home in the country, growing your own food are mostly comprised of clip-art tidbits & most – more of those, please. Also includes and raising goats, you can benefit from this notebook doodles that’ve been pixelated and book reviews, announcements, a poetry page, zine. Just reading it is a relaxing experience, sent through the photocopier one too many etc. ISSN Free People, 10547 State Hwy 110N, but you may also find yourself inspired by the times. And do you really need the Ziggy-esque Tyler TX 75704-3731, bothsidesnow@prodigy. knowledge it contains. This issue tells how to one-panel cartoon bits? No, you don’t. Melody net, www.bothsides now.info [$2 US, or trade make a tattoo gun and how to build an earth Sherosky, PO Box 18219, Denver CO 80218- 22M 1:30] –Christine oven, using animals as lawnmowers and other 0219, [email protected], www.bmrpoetry. Boxcutter #4 (Spring 2004): “push your but- alternatives to gas-guzzling machines, how to com [$4, $5 world, $14 for 1 year US, $18 world, ton, spread your seed.” This is a mature and attract hummingbirds – and keep them healthy, PayPal available 25M :25] –eric thoughtful zine about sex, love and human plant breeding and intellectual property rights, BOB #3: The articles in the latest issue of this relationships. There are articles about love as herbal advice, and more. Full of beautiful illus- well-produced zine run the gamut from timely a tool, discovering masturbation, male friend- trations; newsprint. Heartily recommended! political education (is the term “third party” a ships, public affection, and polyamory vs. Loki, PO Box 66, Yoncalla OR 97499 [$10 for 4, misnomer if there are over two dozen of them?) marriage, as well as some erotic poetry. I re- $100 lifetime sub, cash preferred, checks ok to to interviews with local artists and writers ally liked this. It was direct without being self- Lokiko G. Hall, ftp 24L 1:20] –Jerianne and some personal perspectives on gay rights consciously shocking. Plus, it gave me plenty Capable Youth #1: In her first zine’s debut is- and volunteering. The psychology of blogging to think about. 1636 Fairview St., Berkeley CA sue, Erica tries her hand at the art of writing article hits a little close for zinesters. The zine 94703, [email protected] [$1, or trade politics. She comments on many topics (“Brief gets better with each issue, but how about a 24XS :30] –Bloody Mary Thoughts on Farenheit 9/11,” “The Political table of contents next time? Bob Sheairs, 30 Brain Food #10: There are some good bits in Ideals of Anarchism and Socialism,” etc.), and Locust Ave., Westmont NJ 08108, sheairs@ this comic zine (like referring to Molotov cock- although there are no in-depth analyses, Ca- hotmail.com, www.njghost.com [$2.50 US, $3 tails as “them SPECIAL beers”) but mostly pable Youth is varied and interesting enough. Canada/Mexico, $4.50 world, no trades, not ftp it’s crass gore. I mean, I like crass as much A good debut issue – let’s hope the page count 32M 1:20] –Andrew as the next person, but I think I like crass will increase with issue #2. [:20] –Christine Book of Letters #18: Dear Mr. Mackin, I thor- that is a bit cleverer. But maybe you like all •••SECOND OPINION: Scant political zine oughly enjoyed the latest issue of your zine. forms of crass, and so perhaps you should from “a pretty liberal person, but not an ide- Your letters take advantage of unwitting cor- send a trade and see what you think. Mike alist” gearing up for November’s presidential porate customer service representatives. The Toft, Free Lunch Media, PO Box 7246, Min- election. Short, sanctimonious rants on Fahr- funniest part was your exchange with The neapolis MN 55407, [email protected], enheit 9/11 and John Kerry – as well as dis- Gap, where you received the same form let- www.cartoonistconspiracy.com/pagegallery. dainful and frankly ignorant perspectives on ter twice. Despite the forced ridiculousness of php?galleryname=mike [$1 everywhere, or anarchy – emphasize the practical goal of oust- your letters, you admirably achieve a 45 per- trade, no prisoners 20S :10] –artnoose ing George W. Bush from the White House. You cent response rate. Do you think this stuff up know, I’m sure there are zines out there that Brooklyn! #43: I’ve been reviewing Mr. Argoff’s on the toilet? I remember writing M&M/Mars support the Democratic ticket without being so zines since before I can remember, and he cer- in 6th grade; I got a free Snickers bar. Rich contorted and loveless, but this sure ain’t one tainly is consistent. Here’s another fun, breezy Mackin, PO Box 14642, Portland OR 97293, of them. Erica, 5249 17th Ave. NE, Seattle WA missive, filled with cheerful observations and [email protected], www.richmackin. 98105, [email protected] [$1, $2 obscure trivia about the titular borough, Mr. org [$3 38S :35] –Andrew Canada/Mexico, $2.50 everywhere else, cash, Argoff’s beloved home. The biggest improve- stamps, or trade, not ftp 8S :10] –Susan B. Both Sides Now #49-50: This long-established ment since the last time I saw this publication zine combines New Age spirituality and pro- is the addition of a staple in the spine; bravo! Captain Morgan’s Verses #1: This one begins gressive/anti-war thought. Being that I’m a Now, if he could figure out a better way of re- thusly: “I just finished reading a book about devout agnostic, I must say that the spiritual producing photographs... [24S :20] –Karlos Andy Kaufman; Andy Kaufman was a famous stuff makes my eyes glaze over. But the politi- Brooklyn! #44: A collection of Brooklyn trivia pirate and astronaut.” That cracks open this cal stuff is solid; my favorite articles were an and lore. This issue features some historical dude’s sense of humor. He drinks a lot (so much anti-empire essay by the wonderful Arundhati trivia, a tour of the some of the lesser-known that he often falls asleep on his keyboard, it Roy and a provocative rethinking of political bridges of Brooklyn, a listing of strangely con- seems), and is too fucking scatterbrained to clichés by Dr. Wayne Dyer. So, it appears that figured intersections (there’s a gigantic aster- stand trial for pretension. That’s it. Plateau both lefties and New Agers will get something isk-shaped intersection in East Flatbush), and Sigma Books, Bob Oswald, 29 University Ave., out of this, and if you’re both, even better! [22M driving tales from hell. This zine is an enter- Atlanta NY 14808, www.plateausigmapress. :40] –Steve taining, light read, good for a lunch break. It com [$7 60XS :14] –Emerson Both Sides Now #51-52: This “journal of li- made me want to visit Brooklyn again – which Cartography For Beginners #3: Came with a ghtworking and peacemaking” started in 1969 I guess is the whole point. Fred Argoff, 1800 sticker/button, the requisite “I meant to get as part of the anti-war movement. Today, this Ocean Pkwy. (#F-10), Brooklyn NY 11223- this done better and faster” intro, and an expla- “information collage” publication focuses main- 3036 [$2.50, $10 for 4 issues, prefers cash, nation that April wants to simply enjoy writing ly on the war in Iraq and the atrocities perpe- checks/money orders ok to Fred Argoff 20S :30] and entertain people. Good goal, I think. Inside,

{25} she tells us of wrong-number annoyances, has yet convincing, it’s worthy of consideration. or trade 24XS :20] –eric too many pages devoted to the TV show “Saved Celso, 9 Bench Mark Dr., Boulder CO 80303, Chump Change #1: New review zine! It’s pub- By the Bell,” and shares her experiences with [email protected] [$2 US, or trade 22L lished by Christopher Robin, who (believe me) creeps ‘cos she’s an internet geek. This zine :03] –Heath reads a lot of zines. The layout is mostly cut- didn’t spin my windmill – maybe it will yours. Chairmen of the Bored #16 1/2: “The Sickest and-paste; the reviews are a good mix of infor- April Hornbuckle, PO Box 13308, Atlanta GA Cuts Issue.” This has a little bit of everything mation and opinion. Christopher also prints 30324, [email protected], http://emotion with some hits and some misses. The best four some chapbook and book reviews by prisoner lotion.org [$2 US, $4 world, or trade, no ftp, articles were: a prisoner writes back about con- Reginald Lewis. Overall, it’s got a friendly, if PayPal at website 32XS :20] –Mishap ditions in jail, a funny to-do list that includes somewhat chaotic feel. You can never have too Castration Rite #3: Daniel writes about his life “8. use more profanity,” a boy quarrels with his many zine review zines! Christopher Robin, PO in antiquated, melodramatic prose. e.g., “There grandmother just before her death, and a fifth Box 1611, Santa Cruz CA 95061-1611 [$? 40S is no describing the pleasure that courses grade classroom upsets a visiting cop. Add to :15] –Jerianne through my body when I sink my teeth into a this the usual assorted so-so poetry, comics, Cinema Sewer #14: Here’s a swell-looking spinach pie, but of course I am arrogant and drawings, etc. [30M :31] –Tom publication, all handwritten (but extremely I will presume to try and communicate it.” Chairmen of the Bored #17: A cut-and-paste legible) and really nicely illustrated. It’s all Mildly amusing at first, but gets old rawther zine with a long piece poking fun at Christina about trash movies, with a special emphasis quickly. Daniel Carkner, 40 Glen Ave., Ottawa Aguilera in a mock interview that I’m fairly on pornography, and with a special special em- ON K1S 2Z7, Canada, request zines by email certain at least borders on libel. It seems to be phasis on Mr. Bougie’s specific interests: “clas- to [email protected] [free, but created by a prisoner in a really bad mood, or sic” porn and deviant porn of various stripes, trade or stamps appreciated 60XS :15] –Dan someone pretending to be a prisoner. [ed note: including “roughies” and rape porn. This It is a prisoner-created zine, distributed by the Celso #2: “Birth of Celso: Inevitable.” What a means that the excellent writing and draw- Fanorama Society on his behalf.] That’s not re- trip of a comic! This legal-sized issue is an im- ings are often describing and depicting things ally clear. It’s difficult to figure out where one mensely and intensely dense piece of work that, that I really didn’t want or need to know ex- article ends and another begins, and it’s full of while not entirely clear or cohesive, remains in- isted (three words: “Bongwater Butt Babes”). bitterness. Didn’t really do anything for me. triguing. Combining the fantasy world-building If this is within your area of interest, though, Fanorama Society, 109 Arnold Ave., Cranston of Sam Kieth with the psychedelic yet subtle Mr. Bougie and his contributors are good writ- RI 02905, http://fanorama.tk [$2 North Ameri- silliness of Andy Ristaino, Celso drills through ers, they have a passion for their subjects, and ca, $3 world, or trade, ftp 20M :20] –Nicole several layers of surreality to explore the en- it’s an undeniably absorbing read, much to my virons of a humongous warrior-like creature Chaos and Peace: After I finished reading occasional dismay. Robin Bougie, #320-440 E. who seems to spawn cities in his steps, a para- this excellent poetry zine, I went through it 5th Ave., Vancouver BC V5T-1N5, Canada, noid old man who is intimidated by a cat and again, looking for a few lines to sort of sum [email protected] [$5 “adults only” afraid of a perceived demon on his roof, and a up what I thought and felt while reading it: 44M 1:00] –Karlos baby with a mallet who shares a moment with voices have settled The Civil Abolitionist v14#2: This rather for- what might be an homage to Tony Millionaire’s for the orgasm of their egos mal newsletter presents the respectable face Drinky Crow. Despite the edition’s oblique sur- … no … of veganism. Short reprints from world media realism and the over-long text interlude featur- we have agreed to call detail recent incidents and discoveries from the ing the old man, Celso’s artwork is delightfully the most graceful medical world, with a subtle but pervasive fo- detailed, bringing to mind the efforts of Geoff of our awkwardness cus on the prevention of animal cruelty. More Darrow, albeit entirely different. Confusing, wonderful extensive articles document the latest about … well, maybe … Mad Cow Disease and virus pesticides. The what is real section I found most interesting highlights cur- we make real rent developments in alternatives to animal with our devotion testing. American orders receive a sheet on … that’s probably closest. Anthony George, 85- wildlife issues. Tastes like: rabbit food. [10M 24 115th St., Jamaica NY 11418, brenthony@aol. :15] –Jaina com [? 36S :35] –Susan B. The Civil Abolitionist v14#3 (Winter 2003- chew toy #7: Egad. This must be the happiest, 2004): This is the newsletter for CIVITAS. most optimistic perzine I’ve ever encountered. Loads of information on campaigns to end Emily chronicles the passing of her last sum- unnecessary animal-testing, animal abuse mer before college in fragments of thought, law, and environmental/industrial damage brief sunny summer scenes, sappy song lyrics, that affects native animals and their habitats. and lots of spritely, good-natured appraisal of Well-researched, brief articles and analysis on family and friends. Refreshing stuff, really. But very specific actions and cases. Recommended. the descriptions are too short to convey much CIVITAS, PO Box 26, Swain NY 14884-0026, aside from brief scenes that seem a little cliché, [email protected], www.linkny.com/-civitas and frustrating inside jokes. The strongest mo- [$?, donations accepted 12M :20] –eric ments (in my dour taste) come at the end, once Cloverleaf #1: Expertly illustrated and written summer begins to fade and Emily’s thoughts comic by a writer for MAD Magazine. This sto- turn more introspective, excited, and anxious. ry of a Native American warrior is full of catch. Emily Denay, 2677 Cemetery Rd., Petoskey MI One finds oneself flipping pages, eager to see 49770, [email protected] [$1 US, $2 world, what will happen next. Jacob combines excel-

{26} lent pacing with an unexpected ending, which spur-of-the-moment one-shots, and I find his was quite good, the message honest, the photos adds up to a very moving story. Jacob Lambert, method utterly amusing. This minimalist va- interesting, and there was even glitter on the 1202 Pine St, Apt 2, Philadelphia PA 19107, cation slideshow doesn’t rank with his stronger paper! Ex. “I think perhaps I am a drunk child www.JacobLambert.com [$2.95 24S :10] –Anu efforts, but if you’re the sort that struggles to spinning frantically in the medium between produce anything at all, a correspondence with two streams of fast moving traffic...” Eliza- Clutch #12: It’s a dang book! Seriously, it’s 1/3” Dave might prove inspiring. Grilled Tuna Zines, beth Dwyer, 19485 Estes Rd., Clearwater MN thick and perfect-bound, with an attractive 1357 W. Augusta Blvd. #1, Chicago IL 60622, 55320, [email protected] cover. Welcome to the life of Clutch, who lives [email protected] [trade only, will [$3 US, $4 Canada/Mexico, $5 world, or trade, in Portland and manages the zine library at the trade for anything 14XS :06] –Emerson ftp, available on CD for $6, “the audio CD is IPRC. Each page is a day in his life, illustrated rather experimental at this time, but it is defi- with simple line art in four panels. Published Communist Voice v.10 #1 (March 2004): nitely available” 36S :24] –Tom this summer, this issue tracks Oct. 2002 - Feb. Mainly deals with the war and occupation of 2003. There is nothing spectacularly grandi- Iraq, debates between the writers of this and The Connection #270: Pragmatic atheism ose about Clutch’s life – no big adventures, Trotskyists, the U.S. intervention in Haiti, battles agnostic religiosity, paranormal expe- no epic events – but it is by no means mun- and anti-war/imperialist stuff. The articles on rience confronts scientific rationalism, right- dane. Forthright and honest, with no pretense, Iraq, especially the one on worker’s strikes and wing bootstrap individualism butts heads with Clutch is better and more entertaining than struggles, are informative once you get past the radical left revolutionary zeal all in these here most perzines. Get it. PO Box 14209, Portland use of “masses” and “bourgeoisie” that sprinkle pages – often all on the same page, and occa- OR 97212, [email protected] [$3 lotsXS the writing like too much salt in a dish. Inter- sionally all within the same few lines. The bulk (not numbered) 1:00] –Jerianne estingly enough, there is virtually nothing in of this is letters, rants, and reprinted newspa- here about North American workers/struggles. per articles collected and accrued by a group Coffee: A graphic story. Inside, Mark, a poor Huh. Not recommended. ISSN CV, PO Box who, you get the sense, have been arguing with art history guy, leaves his rich girlfriend, Lisa, 13261, Harper Station, Detroit MI 48213, each other for ages. A very broad spectrum of to move back home for the summer, since he’s [email protected], www.communist opinions are well represented but fade off into jobless/broke. Lisa turns into a stereotype: voice.org [$4, $22 for 6 issues, check or money an oblivion of small type and toner lapse from nagging and using daddy to get job contacts for orders to Tim Hall 65M 1:30] –Mishap an really poor copying job. Alas. [45M :45] Mark, who doesn’t seem to appreciate it. Back –eric in small town life, Mike meets Liz at a barista Communities #122 (Spring 2004): “Journal of The Connection # 271: This issue consists of sev- job and they hang out, make cute. While Mark Cooperative Living.” This magazine is an ex- eral articles followed by commentary on each leaving Liz is predictable and some clichés rule, cellent resource for those interested in various one. There are some interesting points raised it is well written mostly, and the story keeps kinds of intentional communities: housing co- about why Iraqis hate Americans, more infor- you in it. Maybe later Mark will quit being so ops, religious communities, and ecovillages. mation on Mars expeditions and Einstein’s the- self-absorbed. Michael Dittman, PO Box 1082, This particular issue is dedicated to the con- ory than I ever thought I needed to know, and Franklin PA 16323, [email protected] [$3 cerns of those searching for a community to blurbs about religion. One page is completely US, $5 Canada, $7 world, or trade, not ftp 68S join as well as those communities looking to unreadable. It’s very interesting, but could use :25] –Mishap attract new members. There are articles about some structural work. The commentary section how to host visitors, how to be a gracious guest, coldhandsdeadheart #17: Exceptional draw- is separate and would be better if placed right and how to determine what kind of community ing and curious stream of consciousness writ- after the article it corresponds to. Other than is best for you. There are also some more tech- ing that may not mean much as whole but is that, no complaints. Erwin S. Strauss, 10 Hill nical articles about community workings, such fascinating with the art. Add to it an excellent St. #22-L, Newark NJ 07102 [$2.50, $20 for 8 as when and why to block consensus. I can’t binding, precision layout, and good variety of issues 38M :45] –Nicole say that I have much interest in this stuff, but presentations; this is more than your average Communities is definitely a good place to start Crystal Blue Persuasion #4: “The Dissertation art mini. [40XS :10] –Suzanne for those who do. 138 Twin Oaks Rd., Louisa Issue.” This zine is several years old, but the coldhandsdeadheart #18: Little zine with big VA 23093, www.ic.org [$6 US, $7 Canada, $8 editor has a bunch of copies left and the infor- art. Very cool drawings with accompanying world, subscriptions: $20 US, $24 Canada, $26 mation isn’t really time-sensitive, so it’s still text (often short phrases consisting of new world 80M 1:00] –Bloody Mary worth checking out. It is jam-packed full of ar- words: “activlistic passification”). Political, ticles and complementary drawings, complete odd, and worth checking out if you like Avow The Confessional: This comic is a freaky with work-cited lists. Articles such as “Process or other punk drawings. Came with a Surfrider glimpse into the mind of the ultimate evil and vs. Product,” and “Unity vs. Conformity” com- Foundation mini with eco-tips and also a short his desire to end his existence. The devil goes pare different ideas and solutions to problems. bit on How to Be a Freedom Fighter. Mike did to a confessional and takes the priest back Rachel Sakry, 76 NE Alberta St., Portland the drawings for both, but the latter has pretty through his beginnings. The ending provides OR 97211, [email protected] (please put crappy text about preparing for protests. Mike an interesting double twist, one that points “CBP” in subject) [trade, ftp 22M :30] –Nicole Twohig, 72-1 Meadow Farm South, North Chili out the irony of the situation and another that NY 14514, [email protected], www.an I wasn’t at all expecting. It is a quick read, Dagger #33: This smudgy newsprint review- gelfire.com/ill/miketwohig [$2, $2.50 Canada, well-illustrated with decent dialogue. Warpton zine was the final straw on my aching back of $3 world, or trade, not ftp 42XS :10+staring Comics, PO Box 2210, Swindon, SN25 4RQ smudgy newsprint review-zines. Who reads this time] –Mishap England, www.warpton.com [$4.50 US, £2.95 slapdash drivel? Why don’t publishers spend UK 40M :25] –Nicole the dough on smaller, higher quality zines? Be- A Comic About Florida #1: As Disinformation cause record labels won’t send freebies to those spokesman Richard Metzger notes, a lot of Confessions of a Faerie Child #3: This is an- zines. OK, some of the reviewers are better people’s writing makes more sense when you other girl confession zine full of cut-and-paste, than others. There are some perfunctory indie- haven’t met them. Puppy Dave ain’t like that. words over photos, of surreal emotional poetry, pop-punk interviews, too. Woo-hoo. Tastes like: He’s my friend; I’ve watched him assemble his etc. Yet it does it better than most. The design

{27} newspaper pulp. Tim Hinely, PO Box 820102, innovative zines will want copies of all three. a separate leaf of designer paper, like an indi- Portland OR 97282-1102, daggerboy@prodigy. The huge poster works best as art picturing vidual broadsheet for each day. The time frame net, www.indiepages.com/dagger [$? 72M :30] two unearthly souls with this caption, “We op- is random and pulled from separate ‘entries’ –Jaina erate on a different wavelength,” all in a field from 2000-2003, but the themes of innocence, of intriguing detail. Get it! Justin Duerr, 218 love, loss, and wonder at the commonplace mo- Day of Reckoning #5: Mostly pounded out on Buckingham Place, Philadelphia PA 19104, ments are constant themes throughout. Three a cranky typewriter, this noisy zine explores [email protected], www.northern loose photographs, presumably of the author, how sensory experience, particularly sound, liberties.tk [$2 1L :20] –Tom in squirmy, psuedo-erotic, sorta mundane mediates all perception. Sometimes thickly poses are tucked into the back. Recommended. articulated in a jumble of mashed-up obser- Decease #1: Problematic corpses turn up roxanne m carter, 1800 El Cerrito Place #42, vations, sometimes brilliantly fluid, this zine throughout this collection of death-themed es- Hollywood CA 90068, [email protected], www. soon made me feel like I was tripping. (An says. Here they are: piled together anonymous- persephassa.com [$8 US, $9 Canada/Mexico, accompanying CD of disorienting sound col- ly, surgically dissected, mourned, celebrated … $10 world, no trades, not ftp 33XS :40] –eric lages helped cement this impression.) Not one is even hacked apart and fed to birds. How polished, but careful editing would ruin this this zine escapes lurid morbidity is a strange Disturb vI.I: In this comic’s debut issue, sexual- zine’s chaotic, serendipitous charm. David Re- miracle, but escape, it certainly does. Far more ly deviant morons, kinfolk, and other such cha- bat Wreck, 50 Elmore St., Newton MA 02459, disturbing than the parade of dead bodies is racters do creepy things and act stupid. I love [email protected] [$2, or trade, the painful lack of personal disclosure in a very Michael Joyal’s drawing style, but the contents also available on cassette 36S :30] –Susan B. stupid article about writing one’s own (fake) are totally... disturbed. Michael Gushnue, Nor- obituary. Oh and the cover price. $6? Grips dic Press, Suite 203, 10506 - 96 Av., Edmonton The Dead Bell #5: The Dead Bell has an early chest … erp. Meri Brin, 350 Lewis St. #1A, AB T5K 0A8, Canada, nordicpress@interbaun. 90s feel to it that really strengthens the con- Oakland CA 94067, goodbye_doggy@yahoo. com [free 24S :10] –Christine tent within – lots of hand-drawn borders, cut- com, www.goodbyedoggy.com/decease [$6, and-pasted text, as well as no real political Do-It-Yourself Silkscreening #1: The day I $6.50 Canada/Mexico, $7 world, no trades, not or personal agenda. Pixie just comes out and tire of comic-book how-to guides is the day ftp 47S :50] –Susan B. drops this beast of a zine on our laps, and opens I turn in my badge. John makes no secret of herself completely to her readership. The one Derelict #1: Three bizarre, lonely, and rather the frustration his hobby entails, but never- noxious thing about Pixie is her prisoner-o- haunting comics about an outcast skeleton, a theless has me yearning to give it a spin. John phobia, which a lot of zinesters are unfortu- moth who lives in someone’s ear, and creature Isaacson, 3022 Fulton St., Berkeley CA 94705, nately picking up. Great zine, totally worth the who eats some men in funny space suits. Imag- [email protected], www.unlay.com $2 cost – I would love to see subsequent issues. inative work, but not much here... would love [$2 18S :13 + eventual activity] –Emerson Pixie, 508 Whispering Oaks, Moore OK 73160, to see more. Tim Graham, 63 Telegraph Rd., Don’t Have a Cow #2: Being a vegetarian and [email protected], www.skdistro.cjb.net Dennisport MA 02639, derelict.the-euphrates. animal rights activist, I was thrilled to have [$2, no prisoners, trades for equal zines (email com [$2 17S :05] –Dan received this zine. It is both a vegan cookbook first) 84M :40] –James The Die v2#3: “New Readings in Culture, Lit- and a commentary on relevant issues and is Deanotations #110 (June 2004): This is an is- erature, and Philosophy.” This issue contains just jam-packed with information. Some of sue to return to! Blehert has published this an excellent article on the Oreo Cookie law- the recipes are even easy enough for the cook- zine for 20 years. Sadly, at six times the aver- suit and the surprising response of those in ing-challenged like me to manage. The zine age issue’s size, this edition is the last. Luck- the author’s zine community. Short blurbs on also includes great articles like “Surviving ily, Blehert won’t stop writing; he maintains world news, such as what happens when you Holidays with Meat Eaters.” It is all done in an almost-daily email newsletter that features give six monkeys a typewriter and the addition a very non-preachy way, so even if you aren’t short poetry. And this issue is a best-of of sorts, of several new words to the Oxford dictionary an animal rights activist or vegan, you should featuring villanelles, sonnets, and sestinas also add depth. The “Who’s Side Are They On” check it out. John Johnson, PO Box 8145, Reno from 20 years ago; Ogden Nash-like poems section is very informative and even shock- NV 89507 [free to US, $4 Mexico/Canada, $5 about animals; haiku; John Donne parodies; ing. All in all, a great activist zine. Red Roach world, donations appreciated in cash, stamps, and his “keeper” Pam’s pleasantly cartoony il- Press, PO Box 764, College Park MD 20740, or check made out to cash, or trade for any food lustrations. Highlights include Blehert’s ample [email protected], redroach press.tri- zine 66S 1:00] –Nicole – and able – use of puns, “Icy Rain Outside,” pod.com [free 12L :30] –Nicole Double Double, Toil and Trouble: This short “I’m Late! I’m Late!” the sexy “Spy Story,” DIG Magazine #2: Think entry-level 2600. DIG story by Holley Cantine was written many “People Walk By,” “100 Cars Wait,” and the is for “hackers, phreaks, technologists,” and years ago, republished now by The Free Press closing “The Beginning of a Poem.” I wish others interested in the technological environ- Death Ship. It’s a great tale. What happens I’d come across Deanotations sooner. Given ment. Techy advice, hacking history, phone when a hermit ex-Marxist uses magic to create enough encouragement, perhaps he’ll return to phreak techniques, and a discussion of the a few clones of himself, in order to start a Dix- zine-making. Dean Blehert, 11919 Moss Point DMCA. There’s some jargon, but it’s mostly ieland band only for his own amusement? He Lane, Reston VA 20194, [email protected], readable for the layperson. The presentation, unfortunately brings upon total revolution – to www.blehert.com [$1.50 24M :11] –Heath though, is pretty blank, and the price is too no one’s benefit. An interesting allegory on the Decades of Confusion Feed the Insect #37: high for the size. Has potential. Brian Meixell, dangers of authoritarianism. Violet Jones, PO “Special Poster Edition #2.” Huge 30” by 60” 2215 Hickory Park Dr., Kingwood TX 77345, Box 55336, Hayward CA 94545 [free, donation b/w poster doesn’t make a bit of sense – per- [email protected], www.digzine.com [$3 36S 16S :30] –Jerianne haps that is because it is #2 of three posters :30] –Jerianne Drown: “A Novella.” This is a zine gem. It in the series – something about demons, souls disheveled: A diary in beautifully imaginative has all the things that make zines an original and such; but I don’t care. This poster is sooooo and brooding prose poems, each day printed on art form, an art that goes beyond writing. It cool! And anyone wanting to collect the most

{28} starts with beautiful bookmaking skills, heavy torical and modern photos to reveal “the other Emma Goldman #1: Because Emma Goldman’s double-folded colored papers, shifting types of side.” Volume 1 features séances, complete writings brought me into anarchism some elev- type, and a hand-woven binding of blue cord. with ectoplasmic discharges; Harry Houdini; en years ago, I was disappointed to see that Add to this illustrations: an erotic b/w cover ghostly images; and an excerpt from a book on her name is used to title a zine whining about photo and a title page drawing. And finally the spirit photography. I was fascinated by stuff US educational policy and George W. while ig- text – and though this novella has a style of like this as a kid; as an adult, I think it’s great noring pretty much every tenet that Goldman writing that is not everyone’s cup of tea with that someone is turning the topic into art. stood for. I would have given this zine some little plot other than Cassandra’s emotional Laura Larson, 548 Driggs Ave. #5, Brooklyn slack until I realized it was not written by a loss over Aurelia – its stream-of-consciousness NY 11211, [email protected] [$1 18S well-intentioned teenager but a grown adult in is a rush of emotional poetry. Ex: “Stars fall :04] –Jerianne a PhD program. Rebekah, 428 N. 13th St. #5I, with messages written on them, secret cobalt Philadelphia PA 19123, rebekahb@temple. Electric Fence #1: Undergraduates at Yale Uni- mysteries, glittering imported glass. I caught edu, www.emmagoldman zine.com [$2 20S :25] versity produced this informal urban sociology a fallen star once, and I put it in a little silver –artnoose zine, exploring the concept of “space” as it’s box, and sometimes I shake it and hear it rattle experienced by homeless folks, poets, students, Empty #9: This is a newsletter chock full of and jumble inside, like a marble.” And “I caught and other denizens of New Haven, Conn. Again reviews (21 fairly detailed reviews on one you in my arms. You were so light, like a bou- and again, EF’s writers and artists scramble densely printed page!) published by the French quet of flowers.” Highly recommended for its over some of the (smaller) barriers that divide BurningEmptiness music label. Although the passionate romance. Roxanne M Carter, 1800 their city into safe and scary places and report preamble states the publishers will review El Cerrito Place #42, Hollywood CA 90068, what they find. A deliberate contrast between things other than music, this issue features [email protected], persephassa.com [$8 US, rich and poor immediately becomes obvious in all music reviews. The listings run the gamut $9 Canada/Mexico, $10 world, no trades, not the plentiful photographs and personal essays. ftp 52XS :35] –Tom [:25] –Susan B. •••SECOND OPINION: While dude. sweet.: DIY-style boiporn in the form of the context of this zine is similar to many other home photos accompanied by typewritten cap- literary zines, the concept is pretty original. tions. It’s the story of a bunch of “straight” guys Students in New Haven took notebooks around hanging out in their underwear until phallic town, asking professors, strangers, and other vegetables start to look like good sex toys. I students to contribute something. In one piece, think that the more money you send him, the people were asked what they thought when more homemade porn he’ll send you. At least, they heard the words “New Haven.” The re- that’s what the back page seems to indicate. sponses were turned into a poem. The end Mike, PMB 79, 3288 21st St., San Francisco CA result is an eclectic but very interesting and 94110 [$3-100 (age stmt) 20S :05] –artnoose readable collection of drawings, photos, poems, and stories. Alternative Media Center, PO Box Dwelling Portably (April 2004): Cover-to-cover 204902, New Haven CT 06520, chinyere@yale. of typewritten, half-spaced advice on every- edu, www.yale.edu/altmedia [postage, or trade, thing from cheap laundry alternatives on-the- ftp 30M :20] –Nicole road to DIY water filtering, plus information on tick prevention, squatting, reproduced arti- Electric Mariposa #1: Cassie loves words and cles on modes of cheap housing, and periodical it shows. Her descriptions of both characters reviews. I used to fear it, now I love it. Buyer and scenes pull the reader right into her mini- beware: you will not be able to focus your eyes stories. This perzine has a series of fiction and nor your thoughts on anything for at least 10 nonfiction vignettes (you be the judge of which minutes after reading the cramped and corrod- is which) that leaves you wanting more. A great ed text of this zine. PO Box 190-L, Philomath first effort from someone “not yet old enough OR 97370-0190 [$1 38S :40] –eric to drive.” Cassie, PO Box 96, Spencertown NY 12165 [$2+2 stamps US/Canada/Mexico, no The East Village Inky #23: Handwritten per- trades, ftp 22S :40] –Anu sonal minizine from the author of the travel- ogue No Touch Monkey. Ms. Halliday travels Elephant Mess #11: This issue of Dan’s perzine to Japan with her husband as the children features highlights from issues 1 through 10. stay at home with their grandmother, awaiting From this sampling, I can only assume that souvenirs. Densely packed with cute illustra- Dan must be one of the most depressed people tions, most of which are in turn surrounded by in the universe. From 1997 to 2001 his life little captions with little arrows pointing to rel- reads like one endless rainy day. Lots of long, evant sections and commenting further. This rambling letters to no one in particular about tends to makes the reading experience a little nostalgia, emotional upheaval, and miscommu- schizophrenic. A small price to pay, though, be- nication spiced with some interesting artwork. cause The Inky is a fun, witty, cozy little read. While sometimes visually striking, overall this Recommended. Ayun Halliday, PO Box 22754, was really too much of a downer to be enjoy- Brooklyn NY 11202, www.ayunhalliday.com able. Dan Murphy, 875 N 9th East, Mountain [$2, $8 subscrip, checks ok to Ayun Halliday Home ID 83647, [email protected] 40XS 1:00] –Karlos [$1 cash, 2 stamps, or trade 48XS :30] –Bloody Mary Ecto #1: This brief work combines b&w his-

{29} from electronica to grindcore. I wasn’t famil- Factory Wounds #7: Jacob’s short stories em- trenches. “Snapshots of the Second Child” is iar with any of the artists, but this newsletter phasize the disenchantment with life one ex- laugh-out-loud funny. Lots to read; a good val- seems to good place to begin to expand one’s pects to find in a blue-collar town three years ue. Stacey Greenberg, 2084 Court Ave., Mem- sonic horizons. c/o Del Nista, 31 rue Emile Fas- after the factory’s shut down. His characters phis TN 38104, [email protected] [$2, $8 per sin, 13200 Arles, France, www.emptyletter. reevaluate their relationships with their year, cash, or trade 38S 1:10] –Anu fr.st., [email protected] [$10 US for friends and their families, trying to follow Fifth Estate v38#4 (Winter 2003/2004): This lifetime subscription, or PayPal at website 1M the advice of psychics and alcohol in deciding long-running (almost 40 years!) journal pro- :30] –Bloody Mary whether or not these relationships deserve to vides a good overview of the issues concerning be strengthened or forgotten. While ripe with Erik & Laura-Marie Magazine #15: A gentle, dedicated anarchists worldwide. This issue fo- despair, his voice is ambivalent enough that I earnest zine of personal affirmations by (and cuses on deconstructing race and racism within find myself not caring either way. Jacob Snod- for) folks who want more peace, social justice, anarchism, and includes well-written articles grass, 6648 Eastland Ct, Worthington OH inner wisdom, and friendship in their lives. and personal narratives not just on that topic 43085, [email protected] [$1, or trade, Inspirational poems and short perzine-type specifically, but also on fighting the terrible not ftp 22M :20] –Andrew vignettes surround one long interview with ei- machine that is capitalism around the globe. ther Erik or Laura-Marie’s best friend, Ellen Family Style Jamboree! Issue: Beth: I love this I’m sure the barcode on the front cover is an Redbird. Ellen answers sincere questions sin- idea: a bunch of creative friends get together ironic statement of solidarity with everyone cerely, offering her comments on art, gender, and publish zines about each other. Each issue the man keeps down. [:50] –Andrew •••SEC- (“Everything I wear feels like drag – so what is about a different member of the “collective.” OND OPINION: Where most of the anarchist does that make me?”), how a pigeon once saved This issue is about Beth and includes comics, zines that I’ve read really degenerate into un- her life, and the benefits of homeschooling. photomontages, and personal essays about her readable theory after a few pages, Fifth Estate Laura-Marie Taylor, 1728 Richmond St. #9, by 11 people, including Beth herself. My favor- is written in such a way that the pieces are Sacramento CA 95825, [email protected] ite is a comic by one of her ex-boyfriends about actually grounded in real life experience and [1 stamp US, IRC world, or trade, ftp 20S :15] when he wanted to marry her. The next issue fact instead of the intangibilities of theory. –Susan B. is about Chris, and I am eager to see it. Anto- This issue’s cover section is by far the most nio Roman-Alcala, 2802 21st St., San Francisco interesting in this issue, with pieces like “One Evasion #2.9: This “summer supplement” is CA 94110 [$? 32S :10] –artnoose Journey into and out of the Anarchist ... Black” a collection of stuff that did and didn’t make and rapier-sharp insights, like “Reviewing it into previous issues. Evasion chronicles Fanzine Fanatique (Winter 2003/Spring 2004): one’s life over and over again has come to be the misadventures of “the Evasion kid” who Publishing for more than 30 years, this unas- a necessary practice for a revolutionary dedi- has been “militantly unemployed since 1997.” suming, English-accented review zine cham- cated to living revolution to its fullest.” PO Box Poorly written, poorly edited, repetitive stuff pions self-publishing as a vital part of the 201016, Ferndale MI 48229, www.fifthestate. about sneaking into concerts and other locked worldwide art scene – and does it without be- org [$3, $4 Canada, ftp, $10 for 4 issues 64M buildings, stealing on a daily basis and racking ing defensive! Amazing! This issue packs an 1:10] –James up felonies. Here’s a guy that claims to be a international mix of 41 zine reviews onto four committed vegan and “straight edger” but sees letter-sized pages, informing and entertaining Filler 2003: What it is: Scrawled one-panel car- nothing ironic about the fact that he’s stealing far beyond what its tight, spare design at first toons with punch lines such as “How do you say and freeloading his way through life with noth- suggested. Affable, anecdotal, involved. This ‘I think your religion is full of shit’ respectfully” ing to show for it but a rap sheet and the ability issue is dedicated to Zine World staffer Tom and “I’m not a racist, I’m an ethnocentricist.” to brag that he was “ten rows in front of Lenny Hendricks. Keith and Rosemary Walker, 6 None sparked a smile or conveyed any insight Kravitz.” Lame. If you’re interested in slow- Vine St., Lancaster, LA1 4UF, England [trade to me. A Callahan of the deep minor leagues. ing down, less materialism and less work read 4M :20] –Susan B. Upstairs at 25 Elliot St., Brattleboro VT 05301 Moonlight Chronicles by Dan Price instead. [$1 US/Canada, $2 elsewhere, no trades, not Farming Uncle #93: A self-described zine for 245 Mt. Herman Rd #124, Scotts Valley CA ftp 16S :02] –Chris homesteaders, this 27-year-old publication has 95066-4045, [email protected] [$1 30M a few articles on natural living but is mostly The Finding Datura Report #2: Music and zine :30] –Anu a bunch of classified ads aimed at the home- review zine featuring interviews with Destro Exterminator #3: I feel like I read a chapter in steader or other alternative lifestylist. Many Von Doom of the Von Dooms and Amanda a longer book instead of a complete work. May- of the “classifieds” are just quotes and strange Palmer of the Dresden Dolls. Rob reviews be that’s what this is. At any rate, although I sayings. It’s like reading a Dr. Bronner soap the books and zines released by CrimethInc read the whole thing, I think a proofreader is bottle in convenient zine form! TORO, Box 427, Publications, plus lots more music and zines. in order to take care of the minor glitches. Also, Bronx NY 10458-0711 [$2 23S :05] –artnoose Sometimes the typos and lack of editing were it’s poorly stapled on the side, so the pages kept distracting, but it’s an earnest effort to review Fertile Ground #6: “For people who dig parent- falling out as I was reading it. [$? 22S :15] – all received material regardless of genre. Rob ing.” A parenting zine with a variety of contrib- artnoose Monroe, 512 Lincoln Way W., Mishawaka IN utors expressing sometimes opposing points of Exterminator #4: A sort of existential novella 46544, [email protected], www.find view. Includes the thoughts of a mother who about a guy who wants to murder the insides ingdatura.cjb.net [$2, or trade 40S :20] –Abby is opting for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesar- of people and a girl who cancels her magazine ean), a mom who planned to have a second Fish With Legs #8: Eric Lyden writes about subscriptions. They don’t seem to have any- cesarean, and the experiences/thoughts on attending a music festival five minutes from thing to do with each other for most of the sto- same-sex marriages from two different angles. his house (focusing on things musicians say to ry. Really bizarre, hard to follow, but the writer I very much like that Stacey provides a forum elicit applause), describes the first inductees to does have potential. Beth J. Whiting, 17604 N. for parents to voice differing opinions instead his personal hall of fame (including cartoon- 39th Ave., Glendale AZ 85308, bethiejw@yahoo. of promoting just one point of view. Well bal- ist Sergio Aragones and professional wrestler com [$? 25S :20] –Nicole anced, honest writing, this is parenting in the Mick Foley), reports on Beantown Zinetown

{30} (focusing on people’s peccadilloes), eulogizes a got dragged back to the demanding immediacy A Gay in NY is Just a Fag in Atlanta: When a cat companion (Sunny, 1988-2003), and asserts of the moment. #1: “Headlights grow big/and Southern rock critic quotes Society of the Spec- a dozen or so “unpopular opinions,” including “I then disappear/The passenger door begins to tacle on the first page and uses copious foot- have no real problem with the death penalty.” buckle inward” and #2: “Again an opportunity notes, you know you’re in for a ride. This is a Eric Lyden, 224 Moraine St., Brockton MA missed to explore indifference.” Nice. Apart postmodernist essay on the Atlanta rock scene, 02301-3664, [email protected] [$1, $2 for- from its unfortunate title, this zine also fea- which means that there’s no grand narrative, eign, or trade, not ftp 30M :45] –Chris tures slapdash layout, cryptic pencil rubbings, or in other words you can’t always understand and a selection from the publisher that ends what he’s talking about. If you comprehend For the Clerisy #55: “Good Words for Read- with the line, “in real life you’re shit out of dialectics and the difference between use value ers.” Our editor’s arrogance toward rock fans luck.” [6M :15] –Susan B. and exchange value, then you may be smart momentarily put me off (he has his reasons), FUCK! v7#8 (August 2004) : Monthly litzine/ enough for this zine. Jim Hayes, PO Box 1459, but that won’t stop me from recommending newsletter. In this issue you will find short Marietta GA 30061, [email protected] this smart, understated assortment of essays, poems, plus two erotic but not that poetic [$2 US/Canada/Mexico, $3 world, or trade, ftp reviews, and correspondence to every pleasure poems (or stories?) with photos of naked girls. 36S :50] –artnoose reader I spot. Features encouragement for bib- While I didn’t get most of the stuff in FUCK! liophiles (i.e. “the clerisy”), a research guide to girls are not chicks coloring book: “This time (too tape-à-l’œil?), I enjoyed Luis Cuauhtemoc “auto-experimentation,” a continuing celebra- she had some power tools, a roll of duct tape, Berriozabal’s poetry, and hope to read more of tion of bespectacled newsmakers, and a lot a Tina Turner album & a bus pass.” Printed his work in upcoming issues. Six pages is not more. [18M :31] –Emerson on a page with Rapunzel, who will definitely enough for me to comment, really, so send in For the Clerisy #56: This is a fanzine dedicated not need any rescuing, thank you very much! your “highly original short poems on any sub- to reading. It is written by and for people who Charming zine with a chick-yellow cover that ject and art that will photocopy well.” They are love reading for pure enjoyment. In it, the combines simple “colorable” graphics juxta- looking for submissions and could use a bit editor and others write about what good books posed with empowering statements. For girls more content. Lee Thorn, PO Box 85571, Tuc- and zines they have read lately. The editor and friends of girls. It’s pleasing to see the son AZ 85754 [$10 for 1 year, “for back issues also writes longer reviews where he covers a placement of familiar pics with thought-pro- send two bucks in cash and a SASE,” full run is particular theme while reviewing some of the voking text, ex: ballerina thinking about auto $80, checks to Lee Thorn 6M :15] –Christine better books written on that theme. Highly shop. Reminded me of the complexity and fun recommended for any book lover, or even book Fuzzy Lunch Box #6: Finally, a zine that tries of being a girl and how not to let the stereo- liker. Brant Kresovich, PO Box 404, Getzville to be funny and accomplishes its goal! Laura types box you in. I could see how coloring this NY 14068-0404, [email protected] [$2, or and Deborah are twins that write sharp, witty, would be a very meditative way to remind trade 14M :15] –artnoose pieces about hating cell phones, finding a good yourself about self-acceptance and diversity. I vibrator, and being lied to by guys in order to loved the picture of the girl in the wheelchair Fran Magazine v2#3: Fran is a general interest get laid. Ads for bizarre gadgets and creepy fan with a hammer! Jacinta Bunnell and Julie No- “culture” magazine from L.A., where it is free. mail further the comedy. This zine held my vak, PO Box 325, Rosendale NY 12472, girls Dear Fran Magazine: Fuck you. Fuck your attention cover to cover. Good stuff. Laura & [email protected], girlsnotchicks.com “media kit” and the “trend-setting youth” you Deborah Nadel, 309 Cedar St. #34, Santa Cruz [$4-$8 (sliding scale) + shipping 28S :06 + more claim to pander to. Fuck your ironic, detached, CA 95060, [email protected] [$1+2 stamps if you actually colored ] –Anu post-modern, selfish, sexist, stupid humor. Re- US, $2 world, selective trades, not ftp 30S :30] ally, stay the hell away from me. Perhaps your The Gleaner Zine #7: ! An unbelievable as- –Anu trend-setting asses sent this in to Zine World sembled piece that is as much collage as it is by mistake. You probably wanted “Crappy Galapagos: An astonishingly good poetry zine zine. This issue is dedicated to all things artsy Magazine World.” You make me puke – espe- written by Yago with graphics done by Emilce. & French, with bits and pieces glued, taped, cially your “grassroots marketing” bullshit. Here is poetry with blood and guts and life stapled, sewn, clipped, and otherwise attached Ugh. 511 North Kenmore Ave. Suite 103, Los and breath. Full of inventive and fresh prose. that fold out, fold in, pop up, dangle, and oth- Angeles CA 90004, [email protected], I loved the myriad of pictures Yago evoked in erwise open to enhance the text. Amongst the www.franmagazine.com [$3, $12 for 6 60M :25] my mind of Saturday mornings, hotrods boom- various explorations and appraisals of French –Mishap ing bass, backyard pit cooking, and the INS culture are directions, examples, and advice office. Black-and-white graphics accompany on making potpourri, papier-mâché, paper Friction #2: Jackson advises us to get out into each poem and offer fresh and intriguing uses moons, French gardens, and many other bits. nature, even in urban environments. Short bits of positive and negative space. Nice full color If the body of this weren’t laser printed using covering participating in anti-war protests, cover. Recommended. [20 + rereadings] –Anu weird jester-type fonts, this would be a really music, spectator vs. participant, anti-cars, be- •••SECOND OPINION: I was intrigued when remarkable art zine. But it’s pretty solid any- ing zine nerds (yay for us! I say), poems, anti- the introduction described this collection of po- way. [$12 36S :45] –eric pop culture rant, thoughts on perfection and etry and design “first-world meets third-world The Gleaner Zine #8: “Mapping Leonardo.” dedicating yourself to isms, regarding X-mas, meets first-world.” It seems like a fair descrip- This is a zine devoted to the art of collage mak- zine reviews and fiction. Worth reading, espe- tion of the poetry – it’s simultaneously world- ing. This issue features densely illustrated ar- cially if you enjoy earnest “what’s it all about?” weary and polished – but the original designs ticles about the fragility of the creative process, musings. It was a little too poetically “mean- (abstract Adobe Illustrator arrangements of keeping your creative space tidy, the Golden ingful” for my tastes. Just me, tho’. Good zine. letters) left me cold. All in all, I enjoyed the Ratio, and a short review of The Da Vinci Jackson, PO Box 8266, Boise ID 83707-3266, poetry as I read it, but there wasn’t anything Code. There are also some reader collages. And [email protected] [$1.50, or trade, ftp that really captured my imagination. Yago & bonus: inside the envelope (which also serves 36M :35] –Mishap Emilce Cura, 1798 3rd Ave. #2D, New York NY as the zine’s cover) there are bits of ephemera FUCK! v6#9: While it’s true my attention wan- 10029, [email protected], emilce723@yahoo. so you can make your own art. I really liked dered as I read this poetry zine, at least twice I com.ar [$4, or trade, ftp 36S :10] –Abby this zine. It was nicely packaged, and for the

{31} most part, the artwork was well produced. I did ings. I was hoping that the opener, “The Fight: if universal barcodes really are universal, or find some of the scanned pieces hard to read, Slum Scum Takes On Radar Girl,” didn’t what really happened to the boy who cried wolf, though. c/o Sherylynne Carriveau, PO Box span the fifteen pages promised by the table you’ll want to check this out. The drawings are 8429, Long Beach CA 90808, TheGleaner@aol. of contents, but I was disappointed. Keep the fantastic, the stories are amusing and endear- com [$11 US, $12 Canada, $14 overseas, Pay- illustrations, strengthen the comics, and this ing. Way better than the crap in the Sunday Pal ok 36S :30] –Bloody Mary could be decent. [:10] –Andrew •••SECOND paper comic section these days. Jeff Plotkin, OPINION: Comics and drawings with a sur- 1700 Gough St. #305, San Francisco CA 94109, The Glum: A very well-drawn and extremely real slant. Includes a variety of comics from [email protected] [$2, “for mature well-produced comic about a poor, lonely, and four contributors and the odd poem and photo. readers” 21S :20] –Nicole hapless glum who can’t even get a good pizza I especially enjoyed “The Fight!” between Slum delivered on time until he finds a magic whistle Heartattack City: An excellent collection of Scum and Radar Girl and “Hoopleville Com- lying on the sidewalk. The story might not be poetry about food, karma, girlhood, and every- ics.” This zine is peopled with bizarre creatures much, but the artwork is wonderful. Plenty of thing in between. This book was a delight – so of every ilk. Inventive and offbeat, Gulk is bang for a buck. [:15] –Bloody Mary •••SEC- absorbing it almost made me miss my bus. It is never boring. Timothy Hoffman, 314 Spring St. OND OPINION: The subject of this short comic so refreshing to read zine poetry that is robust #17, Portland ME 04102, skybound@hotmail. zine is a disheveled, lonely monster with a seri- and literate without being overly cryptic or pre- com [$2 43S :30] –Anu ous overbite who barely ever leaves his spider- tentious. Manack sure writes a mean-ass son- web strewn apartment. One day, he discovers Gurl #1: Part one: Headshots and descriptions net. And there are little surprises in the cover, a flute which magically transforms him into a of assorted hipster chicks, one of whom some- too. Jessica Manack, PO Box 10203, Pittsburgh manic, music-playing, slightly less ugly mon- how got cum splattered on her face. Part two: PA 15232, [email protected], www.livejour ster. A nicely drawn gothic sensibility holds this Female nudes in various fever-dream torture nal.com/users/jessicamanack [$4 US/world, no one together, cause it sure as hell ain’t the plot. scenarios. Oddest treatment of breasts I’ve trades, not ftp 36S :40] –Bloody Mary Well worth the buck. Billy McKay, PO Box 542, seen from a non-Japanese source. Our artist’s The Hip Mortician #1&2: A mini-comic about a N. Olmsted OH 44070, billymckay@adelphia. head appears to comment, “Shit!” Robin Bou- beatnik mortician? Only in zineland, folks. Af- net [$1, or trade 16S :10] –eric gie, #320-440 E. 5th Ave., Vancouver BC V5T ter a break involving bongo drums and shoot- 1N5, Canada, [email protected] [$3 Grackle #2: At 27, Malinda has just finished ing up “a bit o’ the Burroughs,” the hep cat US or Canadian, “trades welcome for other her first year of college, and she loves it! As she puts the moves on one of the recently deceased. self-published porn” 20S :06] –Emerson studies hard to become a science teacher, she’s Much mayhem ensues. Silly, crass, moderately also working at the campus post office and com- Hairy Bush and Other Poems: A very un- entertaining. In #2, the hip mortician visits old peting on the school’s Olympic weightlifting even collection of poems about our fearless friends at the cemetery, gets loaded, and ban- team. Her rigorous work ethic notwithstand- un-leader, the war in Iraq, CNN’s news hys- dies about much Beat era slang. Not as silly or ing, she manages to travel to both coasts and terics, and the definition of freedom. While I crass as the first issue, but also not as enter- points in-between, make loads of new friends, definitely agreed with poet Brian McGuigan’s taining. Ghoulstomper, PO Box 8793, Toledo and develop a healthy, satisfying level of self- politics, most of the writing left me flat. [:10] OH 43623, [email protected] [50¢ for confidence. Who knew Wichita Falls could open –Bloody Mary •••SECOND OPINION: Slim both, or trade 8XS each :10] –Abby up such fabulous opportunities? Malinda, 1703 poetry zine analyzing the legacy of the Bush Hipster Fanclub: Pen-and-ink drawings and Southwest Pkwy., Wichita Falls TX 76302, Administration. Explores the election of 2000, poetry addressing alienation in contemporary [email protected], www.thought the Iraq war, weapons of mass destruction, and society. There’s a visceral element to it, which worm.com [$1, or trade 30XS :25] –Susan B. the ideals of freedom and liberty. An excerpt I didn’t mind in the drawings but frankly from “America Is...” reads “America is the rea- Grump #1: Some production issues with this grossed me out in the poetry. Nikolas Thomp- son why teachers are treated like lepers and first issue – text disappears into the crease and son, 3840 24th St., San Francisco CA 94114, cable guys like the messiah.” Well said! Ad- some typos. On the plus side, it’s got a color [email protected] [$? 12S :05] –artnoose dresses the issues without being overbearing. cover and includes some full-color artwork and Brian McGuigan, 1711 East Olive Way #5170, Homezine #2 (Winter/Spring 2004): If your photos inside along with some b&w drawings Seattle WA 98102, [email protected] conception of homeschooling is that it’s usu- and cartoons. Nicole seems to have a chip on [$1, everywhere, or trade, ftp 8S :10 ] –Anu ally done by conservative Christians who don’t her shoulder, telling readers not to “write me want to expose their children to the evils of so- & say ‘hi, you’re a moron’... this zine is stupid, Happy Freak Show #3: The storytelling in this ciety and their kids’ peers, Homezine will come there probably is a good chance I hate you.” meticulously crafted comic book is perfectly as a pleasant and educational surprise. The Okaaaaay. This is pretty much a downer of a paced, with amusing punchline-type endings, well-designed digest includes writing about zine with themes such as getting depressed af- believable characters, and subtle, expressive the misconceptions about homeschooling, the ter clubbing, cyclists that steal ideas, and get- line art. As a highlight, I recommend the clever occasional joys that come if you pause to pay ting hurt by friends and enjoying it. Included talk show parody showcasing mythological fig- attention, some humor, an article about the is a pic of a stuffed panda in a coffin. If your ures with unresolved issues. Did the Minotaur “hidden curriculum” that reminded me of Neal overall worldview is that life sucks, you’ll prob- really kill and eat all those kids? Outraged: Stephenson’s Young Lady’s Illustrated Primer, ably like it. I found it uninspired and hard to “Do you really think I’d eat a human being? I’m zine and book reviews, and a handful of earthy get interested in. Nicole, #3-1163 Commer- half-herbivore, for gods’ sake!” Huh. Actually, Hathor the Cowgoddess cartoons by Heather cial Dr., Vancouver BC V5L 3X3, Canada, there’s quite a bit of religious/mythological re- Cushman-Dowdee. While Kim and the other [email protected] [$1.50 US, $2 Canada, interpretation going on here. [24S :15] –Susan parents’ motivations to home school aren’t or trade 30XS :20] –Anu B. made explicit, I don’t question them because Happy Freak Show #4: An extraordinarily Gulk #17: Calling itself an arts magazine, Gulk they seem so level headed, organized, and clever comic strip zine. If you’ve ever wondered is made up of unrefined mini-comics reeking of caring. Some involvement of their kids in the what your dog is thinking while you’re gone, kitsch interspersed with interesting line draw- production of the zine would be welcome. Kim

{32} Campbell, 6917 W. Shakespeare Ave. #2, Chicago IL 60707, [email protected] [$2 US, or trade 36S :11] –Heath How I Learned to Love Myself and Occasionally Other Men #1: Personal saga of a punk guy who comes to terms with his own bullshit conclusions about sexual identity. The author’s relief at finally embracing his label-de- fying sexuality is palpable, so much so that after reading his zine, I was just, you know, re- ally, really proud of him for making that porno flick. Ragged production values, X-rated draw- ing of punk-sucking-punk on cover. Grilled Tuna Zines, 1357 W. Augusta Blvd. #1, Chicago IL 60622, tunazine@beetfarm. org, grilledtunazines@yahoo. com [trades only “will trade for anything” (age stmt?) 24XS :10] –Susan B. Howdy Neighbor #1: A compila- Duane Ballenger tion zine done as LMAO (Land Mail Art Object) through www.nervousness. inside her and her friend’s world, that it is too mainly on Chicago-area soccer, specifically the org on the subject of neighbors. It’s fun reading much for me and not story-like enough to get Chicago Fire and the new stadium being built, these mostly bad neighbor stories and thinking much out of it. The feat of this is amazing, but but it gives overviews on the latest news in “whew, and I thought my neighbors were bad!” unless you can connect with her (Goth?) life and MLS, women’s teams, British Premier League, Also contains a spell to get rid of a bad neigh- thoughts, it is hard to get through. At random and world soccer news. Huge soccer fans would bor (that should come in handy for most of the I opened to this: “I won $40 at a poetry slam be interested. [5M :05] –artnoose folks that contributed), a nice grid-style col- on Sat. night. I was la-la-la happy and wearing Incendiary Words v4#21: I have no idea what lage, quotes, and movies involving neighbors. stars on my wrists...we will dancedance for I this zine is about. I think it has to do with a Anne/Dayton, PO Box 832, Peck Slip Station, have not been since my birthday and I do have soccer team called FIRE. It appears to be very New York NY 10038, [email protected], longings. For rice paper eyelids & tongue twist- informative if you’re into this soccer team, com- nervousness.org [$? 20S :30] –Anu ers.” Roxanne M. Carter, 1800 El Cerrito Place plete with info about players, team schedules, #42, Hollywood CA 90068, [email protected], The Hungover Gourmet #8: “The Journal of and other relevant stuff. So check it out if you http://persephassa.com [$10 US, $11 Canada/ Food, Drink, Travel, & Fun.” This zine re- like soccer. Steve “Pudgy” DeRose, Chicago Mexico, $12 world, no trades, not ftp 110XS views places to dine, discusses the history of Soccer Fanaddicts, 4821 W. Fletcher St. #2, 2:00] –Mishap the martini, and includes travelogues. Since Chicago IL 60641-5113, pudgym29@fastmail. the chances that I’ll ever actually get to any The Iconoclast #81: Weighty, referential lit-fic fm, http://66.33.89.179/~pudgym/index.html of these places is fairly slim, I didn’t find it (in one story, sexy young academic types tease [$1, selective trades, $2 world, not ftp 10M :10] as interesting. However, for those who actu- each other in Paris; in another, dialogue is an- –Nicole ally get out once in a while, I think you would noyingly set off by dashes, as if quotes aren’t Incredulous #5: This inability to open up fully enjoy this nicely written roundup. Dan Taylor, solemn or confusing enough) contrasts dra- in any one specific piece is a problem with the PO Box 5531, Lutherville MD 21094-5531, matically with laconic, Zen-spiced verse. The entire zine, as Matt and the other writers put [email protected], www.hungovergour edgiest thing here is “The Hounds of Posey” by out a very interesting product, but only for met.com [$3 US, $4 Mexico/Canada, $5 world, one Webb Harris, Jr., a snapshot of a bitter but enough of a period to get individuals addicted. $10 for 4 US, no checks, selective trades, ftp wealthy sellout author. All well-executed and “Something High” by Elizabeth Winter, is more 32M :25] –Nicole very adult, but a review of the gritty short story like a comic strip than a comic book in the fact anthology The Sense of Loneliness made me i sighed with the sea and the sea sighed back that he gives us 12 panels that ultimately just long to read something with some Irish in it. at me: Thick, 1/2-sized, hand-bound zine: yield up the punchline “school sucks.” Torze- Phil Wagner, 1675 Amazon Rd., Mohegan Lake “Notebook Entries, 1998-2003.” Each page is wo’s exploits are slightly more off-the-wall and NY 10547-1804 [$2.50 (oh, just make it an even a folded-over section of yellow-greenish paper not really tied into anything besides a joke $3), $15 for 8 issues, $17 Canada/Mexico, $18 with type on each side. The notebook entries per 4-panel strip. Matt Rasch, 00730 Clute elsewhere, $150 lifetime 48S :34] –Emerson aren’t quite stream-of-consciousness, but like Rd., Boyne City MI 49712, [email protected] it: seemingly extemporaneous, playing-with- Incendiary Words v4#2: As an amateur soccer [$1.50, $2 overseas, selective trades 32M :10] words, descriptive, full of emotion/wondering player, I did enjoy browsing through this dense –James and the little dramas of her life. Mostly it is so newsletter about all things soccer. It is focused

{33} Infiltration #23: In this issue of “the zine about toms, time in the Scouts, and part three of a Judas Goat Quarterly #21 (Spring 2004): Polit- going places you’re not supposed to go,” Ninj fiction piece I nearly skipped, as I hadn’t read ically playful, Schreiber’s zine includes a jokey and his cohorts condense the highlights of more the first parts, but I was pulled into the story introductory letter by Richard M. Daley, an es- than 100 trips over a period of three years into about a murdered man who’s ghost lingers… say about global warming, an analysis of the the Toronto General Hospital. I’m continually Liked it, actually. Jeff Somers, PO Box 3024, coming Bush-Kerry race, a piece on gay mar- fascinated by talks of steam tunnels, search- Hoboken NJ 07030, [email protected], riage, and an article about dark horse Ralph ing for passages to the roof, and avoiding de- www.innerswine.com [$2 (“a frickin’ bargain”), Nader. Lavishly liberal but overly verbose, molition crews. The passion expressed through $3 world, $5 for 4 issues US, $6 elsewhere, $9 this edition features the worth reading “I Don’t the descriptive prose and amazing pictures is for 8 issues, $50 for lifetime sub, checks to “Jeff Know This City” and “The Sniper’s Victim,” unmistakable. PO Box 13, Station E, Toronto Somers,” or trade, ftp 64S 1:15] –Mishap but otherwise, despite the zine’s Chicago flair, ON M6H 4E1, Canada, [email protected], there’s little to recommend this read. Those al- It’s All Gravy #6: Sloppy cut-and-paste fun fo- www.infiltration.org [$2, $10 for 4 issues 32S ready on Schreiber’s side will learn little, and cused on ska/punk in that sleepy little burg of :50] –Andrew doubters won’t be distracted. Preacher, meet L.A. Rants on women being disrespected in the choir. [20M :04] –Heath Inner Monologue #3: This handwritten perzine scene, a shitty show, and stuff about Sherman Judas Goat Quarterly #22: Grant does his read- is largely dedicated to Lee, a boy SaraEllen has Austin (he’s out of prison now). Show and re- ing, and his plain-spoken political rants are been crushed-out on since the sixth grade. They cord reviews and graffiti from Cancun. Short provocative, if only because they get the facts had a brief romance, and things were good un- and prolly only of interest to the locals/lovers of right. FACT: The incidents of torture at Abu til Lee got bored and started ignoring her. She skapunk. Nick G c/o Libros Rev., 312 W. 8th St., Ghraib are war crimes. In this issue, Grant still loves him, but this is the Final Goodbye. Los Angeles CA 90014, [email protected] hammers on this neglected subject, driving (“He is in the wind, whispering my name…”) [$1, trades e-mail first 24S :12] –Mishap home the chilling implications. Satirical propa- Oh dear. I don’t doubt SaraEllen’s pain for a J5 Zine #5.5: A mini-zine that includes what- ganda posters are another bright spot (“Come minute, but it’s a little too easy to imagine her ever presumably that the editors could dig up, to sunny Afghanistan … See the Historic re-reading this zine in a couple of years and whether it be some beautiful pictures (which Rubble”), but I tend to wince at Grant’s ram- wondering, ‘Oh my God, what was I thinking?’ are slightly hard to see being shrunk to such bling personal essays (middle age, the mean- SaraEllen, 5519 Spruce Tree Ave., Bethesda a small size and poorly printed), or some often- ing of life) and the Goat’s tremendously generic MD 20814, [email protected] [$1.50 24S humorous poetry. The poetry is by and large design. Grant Schreiber, 4422 N. Racine #3S, :15] –Susan B. just some pseudo-prose, never fitting into a Chicago IL 60640, [email protected], The Inner Swine v10#1 (March 2004): This is- rhyme scheme but is usually pretty stream- www.geocities.com/egospark [$2.50, or trade, sue of Somers’ long-running zine (since 1995?) of-consciousness. J5 Zine is one of those com- $10 for 4 issues, email for rates outside US, ftp is loosely organized around the theme of adver- pletely off-the-wall zines that doesn’t have any (limited supply) 20M :20] –Susan B. tising. But make no mistake, this is no Stay particular agenda, and as such, doesn’t bog Junket #1: Liz is just a trash-pickin’ fool! Most Free, and the emphasis here should be placed individuals down with a certain slant. John, of the zine is about her apartment furnishings on “loosely.” Opening with a roundup of com- PO Box 2052, Elmhurst IL 60126, [email protected], and what street corner she found them on. mentary about the zine from other sources (a www.dumedia.tk [$? 24S :10] –James There are a couple of newspaper articles about good way to warm up the audience?), Somers Jessica In Paradise: Part of a mini-comic series rooting through trash, and other scavengers offers his body to advertisers, recounts a story called Jessica of the Schoolyard, which (appar- put their oars in (the dumpster juice) through- about getting lost hiking in New Hampshire, ently) celebrates the titular character, who is out. The zine itself is even made of trash: it’s details why he loves living near New York, seemingly a vicious bully. In this installment, constructed entirely of discarded theater fliers. considers whether he could live on $1 million, Jessica trips a girl in the library, puts the girl Fun read! Liz Coffey, 808 Parker St. #2, Rox- analyzes the nature of genius, and offers some in the hospital for spitting on her in return, and bury MA 02120, [email protected] [$2 hangover tips. While I laud Somers’ stick-to-it- six months later when the girl comes back to US, $3 elsewhere, or trade, ftp 66S :45] –Dan iveness, The Inner Swine isn’t really my thing, school, she beats her up again. And the point largely because of his rambling writing style. Karate means ‘empty hand’ v1: “Practical Self- is....what? Well-drawn, nicely published, but That said, maybe it’s yours. [64S :13] –Heath Defense for the 21st Century.” While the func- just kind of nasty. Karl Wills, The ComicBook •••SECOND OPINION: Long-running zine tion of this zine is noble, and it is important for Factory, PO Box 105-278, Auckland Central, has a lot of fun for the money. Editor Jeff is everyone to learn some form of self-defense, the New Zealand, [email protected], busy with net war games, learning French, hik- dark-pink color of the paper made this almost www.comicbookfactory.net [$3, $4.10 Canada, ing against his will, and dealing with Duchess, painful to read. If you can get past that, you’ll $6 NZ 8XS :02] –Steve his wife. He includes recent TIS reviews and find good tips on how to avoid being a victim his comments on them, has a bunch of “list” ar- Johnny America #1: A short story zine for those and what to do if you find yourself in a precari- ticles: “10 Reasons I Love Living in the City,” with a very short attention span. A few stories ous situation. This is a companion to a video, 10 resolutions for 2004, etc. Plus this issue are just over a page long, but most are just a so you may want to check into getting that as contains Part Two of a four-part novel called few paragraphs or less. Although I admire the well. Gregory Lewis, 2911 1st Ave #302, Seattle “Book of Days.” [62S :25] –Tom literary vignette from time to time, I really felt WA 98121, [email protected] [$? 12M The Inner Swine v10#2: Zine with a definite here like I was reading story starters rather :10] –Nicole personality; leaving it up to us whether the than fully developed short stories. Mad, mad Kimosabe #1: Mr. Parker has been zining for a boozy, egomaniacal, misanthropic persona of props for the beautiful screenprinted cover, number of years; you may be familiar with Cub- Jeff Somers is true or a literary affectation. though. Numbered edition of 200. Jonathan ist Ants Shall Inherit the Earth, Azmacout, or Either way, an entertaining read including: Holley, PO Box 44-2001, Lawrence KS 66044, his review site www.zinethug.com. This is the a trip to London with one day in Paris, why [email protected], www.johnnyameri first issue of his new personalzine. Mr. Parker tourists are poopy, how zine correspondence ca.net [$3 US, $4.25 Canada/Mexico, $5 world, can write, but Jesus, all he does is drink beer, is creepy, pharmaceuticals covering up symp- not ftp 40S :30] –artnoose

{34} smoke pot, watch “The O.C.,” and blow off ev- are wonderful, affecting poetry: “the east in- com/dwanzine [$1, ftp for a letter, or trade “for erything else. Friendly, if occasionally a little troxicate you with spirituality/the west show- a libarianly item” 32S :25] –Abby touchy; certainly readable yet kinda dull. [28S ers wine of techno-fruitility/You timely blossom Library Bonnet #7: I love this zine – and not :30] –Karlos •••SECOND OPINION: What from bud.” Whoa. Dude. Vattacharja Chandan, just because I’m a librarian! It’s funny, has a compels zinesters to assiduously record the P-40, Nandana Park, Kolkata-700 034 W.B., great design with lots of illustrations, and is mundane details of their lives in public diaries? India, [email protected], prakalpana packed full o’ pop culture. Julie’s library con- Portland? Whatever it is, it’s given us a new .tripod.com [3 IRCs 12S :20] –Susan B. ference diary is friggin hilarious. Another high- perzine from the creator of the defunct zine The Lamb Shall Peacefully Dwell With the light: weird items from the Oriental Trading Azmacourt. Marc says his new zine “isn’t about Lion: Even though its subtitled “Growing up in Co. catalog. Plus Julie interviews Tommy about thinking,” and, true to his word, he shies away the Worldwide Church of God, A Cult,” Sabrina drawing and creating comic books, excerpts from hard questions and self-confrontation. As never really explains if she actually believes from a found student’s report, book reviews, our blasé narrator, he sketches himself nap- it is a cult. She goes to great length to detail crude (but funny) drawings, and lots more. See ping, eating, impassively “doing it,” working church doctrine and explains that being a part how chuckle-inducing librarians can be. Julie crossword puzzles, and drowning self-doubt in of this church made her an outsider at school. & Tommy, 1315-I N. Tustin Ave. #259, Orange a repetitious daily routine of beer, bowls, and A doctrinal schism in the church when she was CA 92867, [email protected], www.tommy television. Apparently, he made a movie with fifteen caused her to spend almost every Sab- kovac.com [$2 36S :20] –Jerianne Sky Ryan, but it isn’t going anywhere. Sound bath in bed and crying for a year. Reads like like a bad review? Don’t be fooled: this is a Lightning Behind the Eyes: “A Tribute to Lung a church tract with journal entries mixed in. faithful, readable portrayal of indolence and Leg.” This obsessed fanzine of 80’s underground There is no depth or insight here. Statements apathy. I’m looking forward to issue #2. Marc starlet Lung Leg is kinda creepy but I have to like: “Though I doubt this actually occurred, I Parker, 2000 NE 42nd Ave. #221, Portland OR admit pretty thorough. Lung Leg was featured wouldn’t be absolutely surprised to hear that 97213 [$1 cash or stamps 28S :40] –Susan B. in some short art films in the 80’s as well as on the allegation was true” and “I was baptized at the cover of the Sonic Youth album Evol. Then King-Cat Comics & Stories #63: John and age 19 ... I think I did it for the wrong reasons, she kind of disappeared, and some fans debate his wife, Misun (of Tearjerker), have recently ... am glad that I’m officially a Christian” are about her whereabouts to this day. The result- moved to SF, and he loves it! John’s simple line all said without irony. Sabrina, 9804 Cardinal, ing zine includes interviews, photos, drawings, drawings are as great and entertaining as al- LaPorte TX 77571, sabby_darling@hotmail. and photocopies of Lung’s writings. Pete Trud- ways. This issue has a couple of longish tales com [$1, “or selective trades, including but not geon, PO Box 1514, Royal Oak MI 48068 [$2 (about barbers & haircuts and facing & over- limited to: fortunes, 1” buttons, other zines. check/mo/cash, no trades 44M :10] –artnoose coming alcoholism); the short pieces in between Email first please!” $2 outside US, not ftp 30S are very zen. You can’t go wrong by ordering :45] –Anu Lime #11: Reading this personal zine was like this zine – it is always a good read. With this paging through a friend’s scrapbook while she Leeking Ink #28: A text-heavy perzine with a issue, John’s been publishing for 15 years; con- talks about the pictures and mementos. “We few photos and graphics interspersed. Stories gratulations! John Porcellino, PO Box 170535, swung on the swings and remembered things about getting the first tattoo, surviving a ter- San Francisco CA 94117, www.king-cat.net we hadn’t thought of in a long time, like say- rible job, and crazy pet antics. Needs better ed- [$2.50 36S :20] –Jerianne ing that you’re ‘married’ to the person you’re iting, some grammatical and typo errors. What swinging in sync with, and noticed with a lit- Kiss Machine #6: “Girls and Guns.” An “inde- happened to the author is listed in detail, but I tle woe how easily we became queasy on the pendent, dangerous woman necessarily pres- kept wishing for less breadth and more depth. swings now that we were grown-ups.” Comes ents a provocative challenge to traditional Found myself getting impatient with the au- with a “Fortune Teller Miracle Fish,” a favored gender conventions,” but “she can clearly also thor: after 12 pages of detailing “job hell” she toy from Ariana’s childhood. Ariana, 6066 work to uphold established norms through her finally states that the job “had become psycho- Shingle Creek Pkwy. #148, Brooklyn Center embodiment of female ‘resistance’ as an erotic logical poison.” No kidding, I got that 10 pages MN 55430-2316, [email protected], www. spectacle…” That’s the theoretical basis of this ago! The pet stories are the most involving. Has lime.fanspace.com [60¢ stamp, stickers, or a issue, and although the fiction, photographs, potential. Davida Gypsy Breier, PO Box 963, personal zine trade (no politics or music) 24S drawings, first-person essays, and interviews Havre de Grace MD 21078, davida@leekinginc. :40] –Susan B. are intelligent and well-presented, this “arts com, www.leekinginc.com [$2, stamps, or fair and culture” zine is far too eager to distance trade 34S :60] –Anu Lisa #16: Rough scribbled comic about the itself from the archetypal angry bitch with a difficulties of motivating people to fight the Libary [sic] Journal (Dwan #40): Don’s brush gun. In a word: boring! After awhile, I started “baddies” in the face of reality TV and internet with intolerance and homophobia during a se- hoping some hot-headed dyke terrorist would chess. There is some cut & paste cleverness go- mester as an academic librarian and English show up with her large arsenal and start indis- ing on here, but the drawing and text are so teacher at a Catholic college, told in journal criminately wasting “the pigs.” No such luck. sloppy it’s hard to appreciate the total effect. entries and email correspondence. Don delves PO Box 108, Station P, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S8 Not worth the trouble. Ancient Wisdom Com- into theology, religious history, and intellectual Canada, [email protected], www.kissma ics, PO Box 24894, Detroit MI 48224 [50¢ 8XS freedom to make some interesting observations chine.org [$4, $10 for 3 issues 80S 2:45] –Susan :05] –Abby about the situation. Thoroughly footnoted, with B. appendices on intellectual freedom in libraries, Local Comics #38: Thirteen one-panel jokes by Kobisena #41: Although it’s certainly interest- the Catholic Church and a controversial 15th cartoonist Michael Goetz are hit and miss with ing to read poetry originating from another century Dominican friar. I found it really in- lots of word puns. My favorite this go-round language, much of the poetic meaning here teresting, although I wished there were a bit showed two McDonald’s workers, naked ex- seems lost in “transversion” from its original more emotion to balance the intellectual analy- cept for their hats. Female says to male, “Wow Bengali. Not always, though. Iffy translation sis. Donny Smith, Box 411, Swarthmore PA you’ve supersized my meal!” [16XS :05] –Tom or not, these lines from Vattacherja Chandan 19801, [email protected], www.geocities. Local Comics #40: Give it to Mike for being

{35} consistent; this zine hasn’t changed in years: Lovely Bot #1: This is a cute perzine with some –Christine •••SECOND OPINION: Just as a mini full of one-panel gags, with lots of puns. writing and drawing. I liked about the first Adam Suerte’s comic Aprendize (reviewed in I still like reading Mike’s stuff, though it elic- half of it – the robot drawings are delightful Zine World #20) addresses the ups and downs its more groans than laughs. Here’s a typical and the text/image layout is nice. I hope the of working as a tattooist, Malady’s minicomic example: a woman says, “Never date a fibber. author/artist keeps making these zines and considers the challenges of being a licensed They’re a ‘lie’ability.’” Michael Goetz, 1340 makes them longer, even if only a few pages. massage therapist, not a masseuse, who “gives Brandywine Dr., Rockford IL 61108 [2 stamps, Request an unscented copy – this one was so hand jobs.” This issue, framed by vignettes of or trade 16XS :04] –Jerianne heavily perfumed that I had to set it by an open an escapist vacation to Florida with her par- window or I would get headaches. Jessica Byer, ents (swimming pools, HBO, and Snakepit, Logopolis: Justin has chosen poetry as his 1430 1st St., Oakland CA 94606 [$1 20XS :04] oh my!), shares some stories about Malady’s weapon against endless corporate war, and he –artnoose professional struggles. With a clean, comedic, wields it like a magician, crushing the greedy Megan Kelso-, MK Reed-, and Maddy Tight vices on his heart under a cascade of words. Lovey Boy #1: Christ, I’m glad I’m not on acid. Pants-like flair, Malady touches on the noisi- No doubt, the language-obsessed narration in Between the disjointed poetry slam angst, the ness of her office, the unwanted need to adver- this quirky collection will certainly put off pro- inscrutable storylines, and the anthropoid toi- tise, the licensing process, and her occasionally ponents of simple, humble images and themes, let that serves as a recurring character, I had creepy clients. I’d read another issue of Malady but the twisted phrasing, the haunting repeti- enough trouble with this comic book after two in a minute, and if her comic is any indication, tions, and – especially – the high-flown sense cups of joe. What’s your problem, Frisco? If I an hour’s massage is worth much more than of individual expression, soon infected me with said certain drawings didn’t nudge my cute $10.95. Keep the faith, Malady! 8325 SE 11th, itchy rhythms. “The time has come/to invoke streak, though, I’d be a filthy liar. Anthony Portland OR 97202, [email protected] the deep laws,” Justin ominously declares. Leslie, 32 John St., San Francisco CA 94133, [$1, no trades, not ftp 32S :05] –Heath Amen to that, brother. Justin Nathaniel Kat- [email protected], www.tendersurplus. ko, 201 E. Chestnut #311, Oxford OH 45056, com (email to verify address) [$2 worldwide, Marginal Doodling #1: This zine is okay for a [email protected] [$? 56S 1:00] –Susan B. “trades encouraged” ftp, “State preferred color start, but that’s the problem: it’s just a start. scheme for the hand-made cover and yours will There are the requisite rants against corpo- Lost Kisses: A tiny comic zine that tells a story be personalized. Any colors you want.” 24S :12] rate America (in this instance the target is of past mistakes and overcoming and dealing –Emerson Hot Topic), reviews of local bands and punk with one’s personal demons. Although, the CDs. The only piece that really shines is an cover states “this is not a true story,” Brian Lululand #3 & #4: Now this is a brave under- article about hippies and punks in which CC writes stuff about regret, redemption, bore- taking: A post-collegiate daydreamer recounts explains her theory about punks being hippies dom, addictions, and hope for the future that two chapters of her poignantly dreary “binge on speed. That’s the only place where I got a really resonates. A lot is packed into this tiny fuck-up” subsistence and then, before our eyes, feel for who she is. Perhaps she just needs a bit package. Touching and thought provoking, it’s translates them for the screen. She can’t help more time to find her voice. CC, 7200 Highland well worth the buck. Brian John Mitchell, Sil- but pepper her script with wry commentary St., Springfield VA 22150 [2 stamps 4M :15] ber Media, PO Box 18062, Raleigh NC 27619, that would be lost on a camera. The straight –Bloody Mary [email protected], www.silbermedia. journals are, predictably, an easier read, but com [$1 44XS :10 + rereadings] –Anu I got a kick out of the whole process. Recom- Markymark Press – Give-out Sheet Series: mended. Amy Adoyzie, PO Box 356, Van Nuys Five pages of highly abstracted collage art and Love #1: Introduction to, and explanation of, us- CA 91408-0356, [email protected] [$3 poetry, paperclipped in the corner. I had a hard ing “biorhythms” to determine your compatibil- US, $4 Canada/Mexico, $6 world for both (not time finding a point of access to this mélange ity with a potential romantic interest. Includes sold separately), selective trades 96S :52] –Em- that led to any sort of coherent thinking, but everything you need to figure out which kind of erson I did experience a certain unformed pleasure “man” or “woman” you are (golly, over 20,000 when viewing the cryptic fragments of typeset different types!) and how to figure your per- Make Me Numb #14: “The Growth Issue.” letters, especially the pieces entitled “(infor- centage on stuff so you can make good matches. Aptly subtitled, this is a moving account of malli) FOOL” and “CLOSET BIOG-RAPHER I’m sorry, but I am not capable of taking this how Andee came to accept and move beyond (½.)” Note to address collectors: this zine in- seriously. Good luck! –Mishap •••SECOND her childhood of poverty, abuse, and constant cludes several international mail art contacts. OPINION: This photocopied packet of single- relocation. The story is full of gut-wrenching Mark Sonnenfeld, 45-08 Old Millstone Dr., sided and hand-corrected typewritten pages is honesty yet doesn’t fall into self-pity – a good East Windsor NJ 08520 [$? 5M :10] –Susan B. a largely inscrutable and unpersuasive expla- combination that results in a worthwhile read. nation and promotion of the use of biorhythms Andee, 309 N. 6th Ave., Pensacola FL 32501, Mean Time Before Failure: This is the latest to identify possible partners and lifemates. [email protected] [$1 56S :20] –Abby collection of stories by Tim Hall, and they seem Stevens neither clearly makes his case, nor to form a pattern. The stories go on for awhile, Malady #2: “My Thoughts on Self Employ- satisfactorily explains his process and method, with strong writing and astute observations ment.” In this second issue, Malady goes to despite the many charts and tables. In the end, (about doing menial jobs in New Orleans, get- Florida to stay with her parents for a mini-va- while I’m more curious about the subject, I’m ting ripped off by mechanics on the way to visit cation, and shares her thoughts on self-employ- not about to send him $25 for a relationship Graceland, etc.), and then....well, they just ment. (Malady is a licenced masage therapist.) analysis or biorhythm comparison. There may sorta stop. I’d certainly be interested in seeing I wish there were more comments detached be better sources for such information, such as more of Tim’s work, but it’d be nice if the sto- from the main thoughts, like the one on after- the out-of-print book Biorhythms he cites. Rev. ries built to something. Tim Hall, PO Box 7333, noon thunderstorms in Florida; those single Donald K. Stevens, CPRU, PO Box 300365, New York City NY 10116, [email protected], strips add a slight poetic side to the story. No- Escondido CA 92030-0365, [email protected] www.tim-hall.com [$2, $3 Canada, $4 Mexico, thing much really happens in this issue – the [$10 US, $15 Canada, $13 Mexico, $20 world, no trades, not ftp 28S :20] –Steve author herself confesses she “ran out of story,” no trades, ftp 12M :10] –Heath but promises more anecdotes in issue #3. [:25] Melted Head #4: Half-formed ideas about or-

{36} gies and rotten familial interplay splatter onto Peters” to teach values. Honest and well pre- views of toilets, most of which are found in bars this comic and streak down the pages as dead- sented in a nice blue cover with cute drawings and clubs, is a short tale of things overheard or pan humor. This gent has a wild imagination, throughout. D.G. Hatton, PO Box 2318, Pleas- seen in those bathrooms. The result is a truly but his, uh, unique structure means following ant Hill CA 94523 [$2 US/Canada/world, or unique format that entertains and informs in his tales is a bit of a project. One page swears trade, ftp 40XS :06] –Suzanne an odd way. [50¢ 31S :30] –Nicole his other output is superior, which always kin- Modern Arizona #5: Joe sounds more like a 16- Miranda #11 (Feb. 2004): “motherhood and da pisses me off. Apocalypse No!, PO Box 345, year-old kid who just got his license than a 28- other adventures.” In this issue, we get to read Putney VT 05346 [$2 22S :16] –Emerson year-old guy as he details his adventures driv- the “Stray Thoughts of a Stay at Home Mother,” ing different cars, begging to drive cars, and Merge #3: There must be a word for those but also an informative article on the type used stealing the keys of cars. Also includes experi- particular perzines that are created by a nice for this mama zine and on XVth century designer ences trying the Segway Human Transporter, guy with ample computer layout skills and an and publisher Claude Garamond, a report on flying a small plane, and riding motorbikes. ability to write about everything that occurs to the 2003 Portland Zine Symposium (including Written in a “slacker dude” style with lots of ex- him, but an aesthetic that lacks bite. I mean zine recommendations and comments on zines- clamations like “word,” “hell yeah,” and “doh.” mediocre in a nice way? Tastes like: a Star- ter fashion), a booklist, a recipe, etc. I really If you feel the irresistible urge to drive any- bucks turkey sandwich. Don Baker, 7205 28th enjoyed reading this zine – let’s hope this is not thing with an engine, here’s the zine for you. Ave. NW, Seattle WA 98117, donbaker@seanet. the last issue, as Kate hints at in her intro... Joe Unseen, PO Box 494, Brewster NY 10509, com [$2 32S :55] –Jaina [:50] –Christine •••SECOND OPINION: Ev- [email protected] [$1 US, $2 elsewhere, or ery time I pick up an issue of Miranda, I read it Metal Rules #17: I don’t particularly care for trade, ftp if request accompanied by nice letter cover to cover right away, whether I have time the content because I’m not interested in metal 39S 1:00] –Anu to or not. It’s not like a regular “mama zine,” music, but those who are would certainly love because Kate writes about more than her kids. Modest Proposal #3: This magazine is all about this magazine. It is overflowing with articles, The subtitle is “motherhood and other adven- comedic performance, showcasing interviews interviews with people such as Cky and Steve- tures,” and I think that’s what makes this zine with stand-up comics, sketch comics, and im- O, and scantily clad women. There are tons of stand out above the rest – the sense of every- provisational comics, many of them with shows reviews and other pertinent pieces to the scene. day adventure. This issue tackles typography on Comedy Central. Whether smarmy or suave, It’s a huge issue, so well worth its price. Jeff and zine gatherings. Kate Haas, 3510 SE Alder writers and subjects alike keep tap-tap-tapping Rappaport, 3 Overbrook Circle, Moorestown St., Portland OR 97214, bruceandkate@juno. out their smooth, ironic patter, and the collec- NJ 08057, [email protected] [$4.95 US, com, www.mirandazine.com [$2, $3 Canada, tive desperation for a laugh soon becomes an $5.95 Canada, check/mo ok to Metal Rules! $4 world, no trades 27S :15] –artnoose exhausting ordeal. As I suspected when I pe- 115M :45] –Nicole rused the table of contents, the only interview I Misfit #3: “The Shallow Depression Issue.” If Miasma #2 (July 2004): In what might be the liked enough to recommend is the one with the misery loves company, then shallow depression second and last issue of this slim, photocopied, enigmatic Amy Sedaris. Ryan McKee, PO Box would prefer you just slip something in the cut-and-paste zine, the editors show very little 3211, Tempe AZ 85280, editorryan@modestpro maildrop. Misfit is comprised of the wonder- initiative and originality – but still manage posalmag.com, www.modest proposalmag.com ings, ramblings, comics, and collections of the some extremely worthwhile questions. Repro- wedded duo Benjamin and Hannah and friends. ducing material from the Web, the zine Doris, I really enjoyed this issue, which is comprised the Christian Angst comic strip, poet Carl of lists of mildly depressing phenomenon (lint, Sandburg, and other sources, Miasma features mouse turds, people with Hooter’s bumper several notable items. Tony Osumi’s “American stickers), scenes of childhood vengeance, anec- Dream Pie” is a fictional dialogue that likens dotes of everyday put-downs and shut-downs, the current state of politics and economic im- and poignant stories of dead pets and other de- balance to the selection at a bakery. The anon- pressionalia. [29S :30] –eric ymous essay on proposals for a white history Misfit #4: An eclectic, fun zine full of interest- month touches on social engineering, racism, ing things to help you waste time. Interactive and media-managed history. And Sok’s contri- activities, quizzes, and amusing personal ads bution “School and Office Dictionary,” while ir- are just a few features highlighted through- ritatingly self-righteous (“I didn’t mean to pro- out. The editor somewhat recently had a baby voke any re-analysis of your life. I did not mean and is one proud mommy, as evidenced by her to shatter your ideas of the truth.”), did bring sweet birth announcement. I strongly recom- up some valid points about identity, self-per- mend this zine, and not only because the edi- ception, and security. It’s too bad they might tor is begging for everyone to at least help her stop publishing. Given fewer reprints and more break even. Come on guys, she has a little original writing – accompanied by more self-ex- mouth to feed now! Hannah Eye, 105 Wilkin ploration – this could be quite a zine. Ed and St. #2, St. Paul MN 55102, misfitzine@yahoo. Sok Press, 2 Eastfield Dr., Rolling Hills CA com [$4, $11 subscription, $10 for back issues, 90274 [free, or trade 20M :09] –Heath “well concealed cash only,” trades ok with 83¢ Millwood: Childhood recollections, aged 50 stamp 29S :30] –Nicole years or more, told for the most part in un- Modern Arizona #4: One thing I can say about sentimental detail. It’s always nice to read this zine is that it is definitely original. This something from a generation that is under- issue’s sole purpose is to review public rest- represented in the zine scene. Especially liked rooms around the world. Along with the re- the vignette about his parents using “the three

{37} [$3 64M 2:45] –Susan B. Moonlight Chronicles #43: Talk about serendipity... I was actually assigned a zine that I happen to subscribe to. Dan’s long-running zine is all about slowing Monday Night #2: This journal of art and literature mostly features down and enjoying the simple things in life. He uses drawing as a meditative poems and very short stories, along with a few interesting bits of practice and sees beauty in all things. Dan has a wonderful and expressive artwork tossed in for good measure. There is a wide range of style, drawing style that will make you want to put pen to paper and draw whatever from philosophical to the erotic, and I’m sure anyone who enjoys po- happens to be around you. This issue focuses on Harlan Hubbard, a nature etry would be interested. Unfortunately, I’m extremely picky about lover who lived simply, sketched nature, and ruminated on walking barefoot, poetry, and it just didn’t do anything for me. Very nicely done, swimming in the river, and creating art. As always, included are lots of Dan’s though. Sharon McGill, 653 62nd St. Apt. 1, Oakland CA 94609, curvy, expressive drawings, little and big adventures around town, and honest [email protected] [$3, accepts trades but email first, thoughts about living the simple and abundant life. Recommended. Dan Price, not ftp 44S :25] –Nicole Box 109, Joseph OR 97846, www.moonlight-chronicles.com [$5, $6 Canada, $7 Moonlight Chronicles #40: Dan Price lives in a tent and a self- world, no trades, no ftp 100XS 1:00 + rereadings] –Anu built hobbit hutch in eastern Oregon and likes nothing more than Morgenmuffel #12: This collection of one-page well-drawn comics presents life wandering, wondering, and drawing everything he sees. The long- as it happens in an anarchist collective in Brighton, England. Stories range standing Moonlight Chronicles is part journal, part sketchbook, from crap jobs (temp Christmas postal work) to disappointing protest experi- part commonplace book of quotes from things the editor has been ences, from medical problems (eczema and a yeast infection) to creative ways of reading, and account of a non-traditional romantic relationship beating boredom, and naturally include the requisite rants and drunk stories. with the mother of Price’s two young adult children. (They travel I am totally jealous of her drawing style and the fact that her collective runs together and co-parent, but don’t cohabit.) [100XS :35] –Chris a co-op bar. Isy, PO Box 74, Brighton BN1 4ZQ, UK, [email protected] [50p+stamp UK, $3/£3 elsewhere, ftp 24S :45] –Andrew Mount Moriah Cemetery: The purpose of this mini photo essay is to raise awareness about a West Philadelphia landmark that has fallen into disrepair. living Though it is one of Philadelphia’s oldest cemeteries, and home to plenty of his- Proof tory (Civil War veterans are buried there), over the years most of Mount Moriah Because lessons are supposed to be difficult. has gone to the dogs, drug dealers, and garbage. Rebekah’s photography and [email protected], http://www.atm4.net sparse commentary poignantly illustrate the decay. I only wish the photographs Media critique, interviews, photography, and recollections. were better reproduced. That would have made this booklet all the more power- #1: Crisis. Trying to piece oneself back together. ful. Rebekah, 428 N. 13th Street #5I, Philadelphia PA 19123, rebekah@temple. #2: Rebound. Searching for what used to be. edu [$? 20XS :20] –Bloody Mary #3: Genesis. Locating the breakdown. “Worth every dime.” Poopsheet Reviews A Murder of Corvids: While living in Merritt, British Columbia, Hatton pub- “Get this zine.” Punk Planet lished a number of zines, including one on community access television and $3 or trade to PO Box 14211, Chicago IL 60614 another called the Corvid Revue. This collection compiles stories taken from that zine, and while none really convey the sense of the local evoked in his intro- duction, a handful are worth noting. “Copycats” is a brief slipstream short about civilized felines. “Everyone Else Is Wearing Theirs” could be an allegory about homelessness but still reels in slipstream savviness. The nonfiction “A Brooklyn Tour” recounts a visit to New York’s best borough, giving me several walking tour ideas. The post-911 “Corvus on War” piece, the only item not previously published, recommends several anti-war media must-sees, -reads, and -hears. And “Treed” returns to the slipstream. Were Hatton to focus on his new fabulist fiction, he could be a voice to follow! Dave Hatton, PO Box 2318, Pleasant Hill CA 94523 [$2 US, $3 Elsewhere, trade, ftp 64S :20] –Heath My Bad Poetry #5: All the poetry without any of the poetics. Jeff looks the part of the brooding artist enough and seems to have the requisite bad luck and mis- understandings, but it’s all expressed in a completely artless way. 15 poems to- tal. Jeff Hall, 1197 Commonwealth Ave. #3, Allston MA 02134, jeffhall3@yahoo. com, www.disasterstrikes.net [3 stamps, $1, or trade US 28S :05] –Suzanne My Fat Irish Ass! #-5: Contains zine reviews, band reviews, letters, a house guest story, a crude and unfunny cartoon, and 13, count ‘em: 13, pages of al- tered “Family Circus” and “Dennis the Menace” cartoons. The altered cartoons showing the characters doing drugs, and planning to kill Daddy are only mildly amusing for the first two pages, and it’s downhill from there. You get the feeling that the author is trying to fill pages. I’d like to see more of the author’s own writing. “The tale of the cracker slacker,” aka the houseguest story, is funny and engaging. PO Box 65391, Washington DC 20035, [email protected] [$2 34M :35] –Anu My Uncle Jeff: This must-read comic book is a touching tale of family and iden- tity and love. The main characters are the author and Jeff, the black sheep of his family. The book is a tribute to a good man, captured in a slice of family drama. Nominated for an Eisner Award; definitely deserving of that acclaim.

{38} Alternative Comics, 503 NW 37th Ave., Gaines- Eureka CA 95502 [$1 North America, $2 world, Nightwaves #15: Marking its fifth anniversary, ville FL 32609-2204, www.indyworld.com/alt- or trade, ftp 20M :30] –Anu Gary decides to put Nightwaves, his zine about comics, [email protected] [$3.95 US electronic music, on hiatus. In this closing is- The New Scheme #9: Mostly a music review 36M :25] –Jerianne sue, he interviews Roger Linn, the inventor of zine with ads dealing with punk and hardcore the fully programmable drum machine; Italian N.I.N.N.Y. #1: Just in time for my trip to New and its various mutations. Includes band in- electronic musician Maurizio Pustianaz (aka York City, I was lucky enough to be handed this terviews with Against Me!, Bright Calm Blue, Gerstein); and the band Kitty Smack. The em- zine for review. Long-time Los Angeles resi- and The Rum Diary; loads of record reviews; a phasis is on synthpop with an 80s flavor, so ex- dent Randall Fleming has recently relocated to DVD review; and some book reviews. Columns pect plenty of (positive) references to Depeche New York and writes prose and poetry about discuss overlooked bands from the late 70s and Mode. Also includes a great reviews section and his new home city. All of this plus an interview 80s, Mid-East politics, and the upcoming elec- lots of pictures of early electronic keyboards. with zinester Fred Argoff about the New York tion. PO Box 7542, Boulder CO 80306-7542, Gary Flanagan, 23 Fourth St., Rothesay, NB, subway system has thoroughly jazzed me up [email protected], www.thenewscheme. E2G 1W7 Canada, [email protected] for my impending visit to that fine city. Highly com [free, $8 for 6 issues (with 3 CDs) 44M :35] [$1 28M :45] –Susan B. recommended! Randall Fleming, PO Box 625, –Anu New York NY 10276, [email protected] News From Nowhere #4: This one triggered No Such Zine #12: “The World’s Purest Boy & [$3 US, $4 world 40S :45] –artnoose all of my prejudices against anarchist publica- Other Stories.” It’s rare to find a zinester that tions. Filled with rants containing terms like writes short stories and rarer to find a talented NARC! #2: Humor, record reviews, and lots of “ideological oppression” and titles such as “An- one. But these four stories, and a short “Young stuff about Portland. The editor calls himself archafeminist Manifesto,” I couldn’t finish a Girl’s Manifesto,” are accomplished and so- Chauncy Goldstein and may or may not cruise single piece. I suspect Hakim Bey has no idea phisticated. Subjects include a boy caught in around Portland on a Vespa scooter speaking in he contributed an entire page about Perma- a humdrum life, a girl’s character portrayed a phony British accent. Some amusing writing nent TAZs, but copyright is theft! Tastes like: through her changing diet, a child’s love for a here, especially when they rip on Perry Farrell. dumpster-dived bagels. [8XL :09 five-and-dime-type store in her childhood, and Chauncey Goldstein, EiC, 10824 SE Oak #217, ] –Jaina a Chinese dragon and a mystery girl. Recom- Milwaukee OR 97222, narcmagazine@yahoo. News From Nowhere #5: Anarchist newslet- mended for those who like intriguing well- com [SASE in USA, $1 elsewhere 6M :10] ter. Theory, theory, theory. The first article crafted short stories. [38XS :20] –Tom –Dan that I tried to read contained the phrases No Such Zine #13 (Monkey Master Chao’s Fa- The Neo-Comintern Magazine #8: This zine re- “fully engaged dynamic,” “self-empathize,” and vorite Folk Tales v39): In this well-written, fers to itself as “the literary Molotov Cocktail,” “healthy continuance of the group dynamic,” cleanly laid-out personal zine about growing up but frankly, I think if you want to be incendi- and then my eyes glazed over and I never re- Chinese-American working-class in an upper- ary, you have to be a little accessible. And this ally recovered. Tell me about things you’ve class suburb, the editor muses upon her high is one of those zines that is so interested in done instead of just what’s in your head and school’s 1928 yearbook, describes the personal being “unique” and “experimental,” it doesn’t I’ll show some interest. (The Eco Punks article, significance of Chinatown, writes about am- give its reader (well, this reader, anyway) any- for instance, was much more interesting.) I am bivalence between ethnic pride and wanting to thing to relate to. Well-produced (some of the also saddened to note that proofreading is, ap- fit in (“I want a simple name – maybe Sarah”), graphics are very nice), and occasionally funny, parently, for fascists. PO Box 10384, Eugene summarizes the case of Vincent Chin (whose this one ultimately left me cold. 97 Maxwell OR 97440, [email protected], killers never served time), and tells the story Crescent, Saskatoon SK S7L 3Y4, Canada, www.freewebs.com/thenewsfromnowhere [do- of her grandmother who lived under Japanese [email protected], www.neo-comintern. nation/postage (1 stamp) 8L :20] –Karlos occupation. XW, PO Box 1007, Winchester MA com [$3 20M :20] –Steve 01890, [email protected] [$2, $3 world, Nice Distinctions #5: This sci-fi fan writes or trade, not ftp 44S :18] –Chris Nero Fiddled While Rome Burned #4: Jacob about his livejournal, football, George Bush, brings up some valid points with well-docu- same-sex marriage, and of course science fic- Normal Man #3: “I’m sure you don’t read Swed- mented research. The piece that Jacob cops (or tion writers. Unless you’re a real sci-fi geek ish – but no one else does, either. Just do the writes, I’m not sure), “Media Bipartisanship, (and I mean that in the best possible way, best you can!” Thus saith the Post-it note from Circa 410 A.D.,” is a hilarious piece that casts truly) then there may not be much to sink your Jerianne. Ok, interview driven fanzine (bands, the last days of the Roman empire in terms teeth into. You can email him for a cyber-ver- comic artist, more) that looks nice. I, the mono- that seem proper to politics in the 20th and 21st sion if you want. [6M :08] –artnoose lingual United Stateian can’t read it, but there centuries. Jacob still finds time to go ape-shit Nice Distinctions #6: Folksy newsletter about are many zine reviews. I’m guessing this is a crazy with conspiracy theories, trying to tie the recent doings of the editor. In addition to fine read and a good zine, just going by how the Challenger accident with the Middle East, reporting on the International Conference on it appears. Let me know if I’m wrong! Fredrik albeit in a tongue-in-cheek manner. [16M :30] the Fantastic in the Arts and lots of reading Kullman, Edovagan 24 A, S-132 30 Saltsjo-Bjo, –James material, Arthur muses on the FCC, why it Sweden, [email protected] [$? Nero Fiddled While Rome Burned #6: Cut & makes sense to vote against Bush and rewrites 52S :n/a] –Mishap paste style, political punk zine bashing the a bawdy song. I’m not a fan of sci-fi or fantasy, Not My Small Diary #11v1: An anthology of Bush administration. Contains four pages but I found the pithy observations about the autobiographical comics spanning the tender of letters to the editor (ho-hum), yet more conference and reading interesting nonethe- years of preadolescence. In here you’ll find il- thoughts on 9/11, a poem titled “Weapons of less. Arthur D. Hlavaty, 206 Valentine St., lustrated stories of innocence and humiliation, Mass Destruction,” and a reprint on Saudi Yonkers NY 10704-1814, [email protected], each penned in a different style, each with a money supporting terrorism. Includes lots www.livejournal.com/users/supergee [$1 US, slightly different take – by artists both well- of collages with pics of Bush with the words $2 elsewhere, or arranged trade, or letter of and unknown from around the world. Neatly “screw-up” and “stupid” pasted on. Not much comment, e-mail version on request 6M :20 ] laid out and bound by safety-pins, this is es- original content. Jacob David, PO Box 3050, –Abby

{39} sential reading for comix fans and humiliated on Memorial Day, the zine establishes its per- tells us about her neighborhood and herself. I ex-children alike. [50S :30] –eric sonality: caring, involved, and smart. The way like this idea of an intro issue under-girding Not My Small Diary #11v2: Compilation of Romano and his compatriots in the Westchester your zine by providing basic thoughts/info so auto-bio comix from big names in the genre Activist Youth defused the situations in which you don’t have to go over it each time and new (John Porcellino, Androo Robinson, and Ben people challenged their stance is impressive. readers can get up to speed. Nice, Isabelle. So, T. Steckler, to name a few) as well as others I Other pieces address conversations overheard check this out and ask for her latest zine (some wasn’t familiar with. The theme appears to be on the bus, a Food Not Bombs action, violence are in Quebocois French). Recommended. [free childhood memories, although without having at an Iron Maiden concert, a review of two 2003 w/order of other issue, $1 Canada, $2 US/world seen volume 1 of the issue, I’m just guessing. talks by Noam Chomsky and Howard Zinn, 40S :20] –Mishap The material is varied, yet it’s all top quality vegan recipes, and letters from readers. After Orange & Blue #14: IsaBelle lives in Quebec work. I wish I had gotten the first half of the reading this zine, I like and want to meet Ro- City and translates her perzine into Anglais for issue, too. Get this today! Delaine Derry Green, mano and Cocco – and not every zine inspires all us non-Gallic types. There’s stuff about tea 1204 Cresthill Rd., Birmingham AL 35213, that sense of connection. [64S :07] –Heath drinking, letter writing, and loving the color or- [email protected], www.mysmallweb OFF-Line #29: As he catalogues his old girl- ange. Normally I’d call this type of zine “cute,” page.com [$4 for vols. 1 & 2 52S :40] –Abby friends, Vincent’s careful to keep his vulner- and mostly it is, though when she gets her dan- Nth Degree #9: “The Fiction & Fandom Zine.” ability well-concealed, holding both women der up about something (cyclists throwing crap Mixed bag of convention reviews, book reviews, and the reader in defensive embraces: his big in her yard, fer inst) her language tends to get comics, and short fiction all dealing with the emotional confessions surround the angst of less and less adorable. But I still love her, espe- gaming/sci-fi/fantasy genre. Includes a thought unrequited physical desire. I expected a lot cially since she shares my fascination with the provoking and well-written short story about more depth from this excellent writer – what Cunard Line. So call me, IsaBelle! We’ll make the state of music post 2302 and a very funny a disappointment! Despite his constant protes- a crossing on the QM2! [32S :20] –Dan song about Jean Luc Picard sung to the tune of tations, Vincent comes off like a stereotypical, Orange & Blue #15: Orange & Blue is a typical “I’m Too Sexy.” Informative and fun even if you self-centered male – the abundance of leering perzine – and I mean that in a good way. It is are not normally drawn to this subject matter. innuendo, I guess, is supposed to prove he’s not chatty and personable, full of the little adven- Contains ads. 77 Algrace Blvd, Stafford VA a big pussy. Vincent Romano & Claire Coco, 35 tures and exploits of IsaBelle’s life; reading it 22556, [email protected], www.nthzine.com Barker Ave. #4G, White Plains NY 10601 [free, is like catching up with a pal you haven’t seen [free 32M :40] –Anu or trade, donations accepted, ftp 60S 1:35] –Su- in a while. (It’s hard not to be cliché when re- san B. viewing perzines sometimes.) I had fun read- Nuts: Remember your first attempt at making ing about IsaBelle trying to scam copies for the a zine? It was hand-printed and had silly doo- Opuntia #52: The bulk of this relatively short first time and going on an exploration instead. dles, no real theme, and stuff that happened issue delves into the urban legend of “Boy IsaBelle Bourret, 5591 St-Laurent, Levis QC that you thought was funny. Between Nuts’ Swallows Lizard,” looking into the several G6V 3V6, Canada, orangeblue_zine@yahoo. two covers covered with bizarre and funny cat variations of the story. It is extremely well com, www.geocities.com/orangeblue_zine [$2 pics, you’ll enjoy shorts on Richmond, Va., see- researched and professionally written without US/Canada, $4 world, inquire about trades, no ing Star Wars, leaving coffee in odd places, and being dry. The rest of it covers the Con-Version prisoners 32S :25] –Jerianne even a vegan chocolate cake recipe from a mix. convention. Interesting little zine. [16S :30] You can’t lose for the price. Ben T., 230 S. Lau- –Nicole Overthrow (October 2003): Sturgeon’s Law rel St. Apt A, Richmond VA 23220 [free with Opuntia #52.1B: This digest-sized review holds that 99 percent of science fiction is crap. stamp, or trade 16XS : 10] –Anu zine is laid out lengthways so the zine opens And so it goes with small press and self-pub- upward instead of from the side, sort of like lished poetry. George’s photocopied chapbook OFF-Line #28 (Spring 2004): Published since a wall calendar. Inside this unusual design, I does contain its requisite 1 percent. “Fiend- 1999, this zine edited by what seems to be a po- was introduced to a nice assortment of familiar ships” includes the lines “Powell and Rice/make litically active couple, is an intelligent personal and unfamiliar titles, as well as Dale’s frankly all the cocktail parties,” “Teletotem Pole” intro- zine that goes beyond diary entries. Opening opinionated reviews. How frankly opinion- duces the idea of “imagination masks,” and with an article about an anti-war protest held ated? After reading Slush Pile #2, Dale com- “Television” opines that I “may hate political ments, “Come The Revolution, I know exactly poems.” In response to the latter, I’d say, “No, I what I would do with literary writers. No, not just dislike poorly written and formatted ones.” put them up against the wall but rather ship Points for trying – any small-press endeavor is them to Bosnia or Iraq where they can learn worth pursuing – but please polish before you what real angst is.” No fence-sitting! [16S :25] publish. Anthony George, 85-24 115th St., Ja- –Susan B. maica NY 11418, [email protected] [$? 20S Opuntia #53.1A: Dry, but potentially handy. :02] –Heath Remarkably brief zine reviews, clipped quotes, The Oystercatcher #1: “Mayday Issue, 2004.” a short-but-dense rundown on the Cambrian This brand new zine opens with an article Explosion, and a call for zine archivists to explaining exactly what an oystercatcher is “mine their collections for useful information (a neat looking bird). It follows up with an ex- and write histories or other essays therefrom.” tensive article about Orkney Island, including Dale Speirs, Box 6830, Calgary Alberta T2P the Pagan roots of Orkney and Mayday. This 2E7, Canada [$3, trade, or “letter of comment” particularly caught my attention, and I found 16S :10] –Emerson it both interesting and entertaining. Other Orange and Blue #0: An introduction to Isa- features include a reprint of a 1980 Anarchist belle and her perzine wherein she laments the Review article on how to make your own radio lack of a zine scene in Levis/Quebec City and station and several other educational articles.

{40} Very good premier issue! Ron Sakolsky, 1681 literally and figuratively) by oil extraction. It’s zine by a punk rockin’ dad. The best parts Dalziel Rd, Denman Island BC VOR 1T0, Can- a visually effective primer on the subject. Un- – articles about potty-training his daughter, ada, [email protected] [$? 29M :25] fortunately it ends as a typewritten diatribe on working through conflict with his wife, being –Nicole the author’s carefully planned council commu- a Christian despite intolerance, and his his- nist utopian society, with everything planned tory with role-playing games – really gave me Pancake Joe #1 : Totally stupid! Still, this out down to pre-natal noise exposure, without a sense for Gabriel as a person. I wasn’t as kind of comix can be fun to read, for example, explaining key issues such as post-revolution interested in the many movie, zine, and music after a hard day at work, when you’re so tired mineral extraction or what exactly happens reviews, but I’m not into hardcore music and your brain doesn’t function anymore. But with during and after the massive die-off. Antonio horror flicks. Terrific overall. Gabriel, PO Box the ugly erection featured on the backcover of Roman-Alcala, 2802 21st St., San Francisco 1201, Greeley CO 80631, fiveacrosstheface@ #1, I’d wait until I arrived home to read PJ if CA 94110 [$? 32S :50] –artnoose hotmail.com [$1 40S :40] –Abby I were you – you might get some weird looks in the subway… #2 is another short comix Pets and Publishers 2004: Tender-hearted Rated Rookie #6: It’s crude, sophomoric and from Ryan Parrey and Mark Plaid, with a joke zinesters pay tribute to their beloved animal hysterically funny. Nothing is sacred with on the origin of the color of shit, and a penis companions, living and deceased, in this heart- these people – there’s a roundtable discus- joke. I think this speaks for itself. Ghouls- warming zine. Sweet and funny pictures (or, sion about vaginas with a rape therapist, an tomper, PO Box 8793, Toledo OH 43623, in the case of unavailable photos, drawings) abortion counselor, and a bikini waxer; an in- [email protected] [50¢ for both, or accompany short essays. Zinesters sure seem terview with a student barber; and a pictorial trade 8XS :05] –Christine to love their cats, but there’re also touching tour of places one guy didn’t get lucky. My per- personal anecdotes about dogs, fish, hermit sonal favorite was the collection of emails they PANEL #1: A worthy project that anthologizes crabs, a bunny, and an 18-year-old box turtle got in response to a roommate wanted ad. Not comic artists and adds their bios, but I wish I named Pincushion. Color cover, excellent de- for easily offended readers, but I laughed my liked most of the work better. “Comeback” by sign. Where’s muh kitty? Where’s muh pretty ass off. 562 Park Place #3, Brooklyn NY 11238, Dara Naraghi and Tim McClurg is an evoca- kitty? Knucklehead Press, PO Box 307663, Co- [email protected], www.ratedrookie.com tive tale of a washed-up actor with a pleasingly lumbus OH 43230, chris@knuckleheadpress. [$3 US, $4 Canada 96M 1:30] –Abby bitter punchline, and Andy Bennett’s “Change” com, www.knuckleheadpress.com [$2 38S :20] creates a compelling mood with beautiful Ray X X-Rayer #34: This is a very fun little –Susan B. drawings and a simple narrative. But too much zine! It is primarily an e-zine, but they also of the stuff here, like too many indie comics I The Post Post #2: This new zine is produced send hardcopy issues out to those who want read, comes up short in the story department. every semester by college radio station staff. them. This issue has an article for writers Ferret Press, 600 Markview Rd., Columbus Great concept; a treat for music fans, if you like about understanding the concept of “the hook.” OH 43214, [email protected], www.fer- listening to / reading college kids share their It’s written in a funny language, unlike the dry retpress.com [$3 US, $3.50 Canada/Mexico, $5 musical expertise. Lots of informed reviews and “how to write” articles littering writers’ boards world, no trades, not ftp 44S :12] –Steve band interviews, a good advice column on how everywhere. Other articles catch your eye right to be a scenester without spending mega $$, away, including such gems as “Creating A Con- Paping #10: A vast array of talent contributes and some wanking. But, heck, it’s free! Good spiracy Theory,” and “UFO: Unsettling Freaky illustrated stories to this gorgeous artzine, effort, clean design. WMUC, 3130 S. Campus Occurrence.” To subscribe, email rayxr@aol. loosely organized around the topic of fathers. Dining Hall, College Park MD 20742, www. com with subject line “ADD XR.” Or write for Consistently and in a wonderful variety of wmucradio.com [free 48S :17] –Jerianne a copy. BoXholder, PO Box 2, Plattsburgh NY styles, the complex relationships artists have 12091-0002, www.xrayer.com [$1 hardcopy, with fathers and father figures are vividly Potluck!: “A Cooking Compilation.” The third free online, not ftp 4M :15] –Nicole rendered, often with astonishing depth. No installment in the Low Hug Life Maintenance tales of sexual terror or weepy sentimentality, series follows the format of the previous is- Razorcake #20: “So that’s where they go to thank god. Uniformly excellent, silk-screened sues (12 items or less and Laundry Basket) die!!” my hardcore-as-fuck friend said when cover. John M., PO Box 128, 45 E. 7th St., New as a compilation zine, this time covering all he leafed through this magazine. Good thing York NY 10003, www.paping.org [$5 52S :25] things food related. While there are no actual too, because otherwise I would’ve just written –Susan B. recipes, reminiscing about food-related expe- about the scads of interviews, record reviews, riences abounds. Text heavy with a couple of and tour diaries of bands I don’t know. Oh, and Paradox #5: “The Magazine of Historical and comics. Details such as colored staples, a rib- the very endearing 12-panel Snakepit comic Speculative Fiction.” This is a very neat concept bon bookmark, and a hand-colored graphic add about mix tapes. PO Box 42129, Los Angeles executed brilliantly. The many contributing up to a really high quality zine. A.J. Michel, CA 90042, www.razorcake.com [$3, $15 for authors take something historic, such as the 112 Muir Ave, PMB 1057, Hazelton PA 18201, 6 US, $21 for 6 prisoners, $27 for 6 Canada, invention of the phonograph, and turn it into [email protected], http://lowhug.blogspot. $33 for 6 Mexico, $45 for 6 overseas 111M :10] a new story. Along with fiction, the magazine com [$2, email first to order, no trades, not ftp –artnoose also features interviews with other authors, 26XS :40] –Anu articles based on the genre, and book reviews. The Rectification of Errors & Strategies The result is an educational yet interesting cre- Proactive Suggestions in a Calm Voice Are Al- Against Negative Tendencies: Contributions ation. Christopher M. Cevasco, PO Box 22897, ways Helpful in These Situations: A brief story Toward a Critique of the Grey Album: This Brooklyn NY 11202-2897, [email protected], in comic book form about the author’s recent brief essay explores DJ Dangermouse’s “Grey http://home.nyc.rr.com/paradoxmag [$7.50 US, bad day at a waitressing job. A decent enough Album” on several levels. Considering the proj- $8 Canada/Mexico, $10 world, no trades, gen- story with decent drawings. Alana DeRiggi, ect as a response to the commercialization and erally not ftp 57M 1:00] –Nicole 323 Bartlett St., San Francisco CA 94110, commodification of pop culture, Hayes looks [email protected] [$2 10S :03] –artnoose at the experiment’s result as free – and freed Peak Oil Tract: This zine starts off as a comic – media. He also breezes through the songs’ describing how global capitalism is fueled (both The Punk Parent #2: Handwritten personal hiphop and rock predecessors. And Hayes

{41} places the work in the context of other mash turns out that the house cat has some tricks up contestant turns out to be the host’s naked ups, contextualizing Dangermouse alongside his sleeve. I probably would trade rather than grandfather. Quite Daliesque; don’t expect it Culturcide and the Tape Beatles. Insightful pay for this. You’ll probably get some other to make sense. Some color inclusions. Shat- yet somewhat shallow, given its length, I’m not comic stuff too if you send a trade. Rio, PMB tered Wig Press, 425 E. 31st St., Baltimore MD sure this piece rates its own chapbook. Yet it 25, 898 S. Van Ness Ave., San Francisco CA 21218, www.normals.com/wig.html [$6 58M urges me to revisit the “Grey Album” – and to 94110 [$? 8XS :03] –artnoose 1:00] –Anu encourage Hayes to keep writing about simi- Root #2: Sarah’s been making zines for more The Sheet #1: A review of underground lit- lar topics. Comes with a mystifying one-page than seven years, and it shows. Her stark erature. This two-sided large piece of paper color photocopy collage combining images of writing and practiced eye for pleasant cut-and- contains a dozen bits of poetry and ultra-short Abu Ghraib and a frozen pizza package. Jim paste layout evoke the questioning emptiness fiction or commentary. It’s a quick read, easily Hayes, PO Box 1459, Marietta GA 30061, Jim- that swallow the months after college gradua- tucked into a pocket for perusing in line or a [email protected] [$1 US/Canada/Mexico, $2 tion, while simultaneously demonstrating her waiting office. While the poetry didn’t exactly other, or trade, ftp 8S :04] –Heath stated love for the zine format and culture. appeal to me, the commentary on “What is Regeneration #1: Cut-and-paste teen perzine This gem could live on your nightstand for a Poetry” was interesting, and the short prose by a survivor of sexual abuse. Warning: may while. Sarah Evans, PO Box 33129, Halifax NS pieces caught my eye. The artists presented be triggering. Ashlee begins her zine with B3L 4T6, Canada [$1 18XS :10] –Andrew are clearly talented. Something worth check- thoughts and experiences about relationships ing out. Wesley Teal, 1101 Pennsylvania St #1, S.C.A.L.P.: This perzine comes courtesy of with various boys and then continues on to Lawrence KS 66044, cursiveline@artconspir Dan, publisher of the bike zine Life in the Bike a moving and very sad account of the sexual acy.com [stamp, or trade 2XL :10] –Nicole Lane. This incarnation of Dan’s work takes the abuse she suffered as a child. Like reading form of tales from an ex-suburban insubordi- Shirk (August 2003): This is a part-silly, part- someone’s diary, the writing is heartfelt and nate inspired by CrimethInc, and more or less serious zine (done by a real-life comedian) that honest. One hopes that Ashlee works through pretty passionate expressions of his disgust mooshes text and image together to make one her issues and gets herself emotionally healthy with the consumerist capitalist system under fantastic read. Who knew that the mayor of before engaging in more romantic relation- whose tentacles we all live. Not depressing, but Tulsa was a walking alligator? Hand-drawn ships. Ashlee, PO Box 576, St. Bonifacius MN rather, realistic in a depressing world. [44XS comics lie beside ironically captioned vintage 55375, [email protected] [$2 US, $3 :20] –artnoose magazine pictures like ebony and ivory keys world, or trade for zines/mixtapes/cds, not ftp S.C.A.L.P. #2: Personal zine talking about on Paul McCartney’s piano. A zillion review 45S 1:00] –Anu growing up in Arizona and rejecting the defini- points for Danforth’s coinage of the adjec- Riverwürst #4: Mixed bag of comics and gags. tion of success in this culture (Suburban Xeno- tive “zinular.” Danforth France, 746 S. Nor- The best material was entertaining in a MAD phobia). Touches on race, white fear, and how mandie Ave. #103, Los Angeles CA 90005, Magazine kind of way, but the bulk of it was the land of Arizona is beautiful and the cities [email protected] [$2 44S :20] downright corny. There were a few articles/sto- are horrible. Travels to Mexico, a coffee shop –artnoose ries, including sex activist Candye Kane’s take experience involving a crappy boss and quit- Shot By a Ray Gun #6: “Road Signs.” This on the Janet Jackson breast debacle (interest- ting along with the bullied female employees, short zine is a collection of drawings that Billy ing, though not exactly earth-shattering) and and more. Good zine, but, Dan, you should has done for other publications, such as Food a data-filled analysis of one guy’s sleep habits, have told the boss he was a sexist jerk before Geek, Xerography Debt, Thoughtworm, and including a comprehensive list of the 32 differ- quitting. I hate that I just gave advice – sorry. more. I like Billy’s drawings, and this art-re- ent places he slept in the year 2003. Unfortu- Acronym? Dan W., PO Box 2164, Tempe AZ printing concept is a good idea, but I’m a bit nately, most of this felt like filler material. Tea 85280, [email protected] [$2 64S disappointed that the zines who first published Krulos, PO Box 511553, Milwaukee WI 53203, :25] –Dear Abby Mishap these drawings are not clearly listed. Billy [email protected] [$4 68 :15] –Abby Salt #3: Anthology zine collecting writings concludes on the backcover: “Write me a note Rodney’s Messy Zine-like Thing #1: I am genu- around a theme. We get a reflection on ro- if you want some fun comix.” Now zine pu- inely creeped out by this typewritten tome. As bots, robots in music, workers as robots (au- blishers, you know what you have to do! Billy Rodney swerves unpredictably between grief tomatons in the soul-crushing routine sense), McKay, PO Box 542, N. Olmsted OH 44070, for his mother’s death and attraction to “the Disneyland robots, robot fetishes, and stuff [email protected] [$1, or trade 23XS babe Jehovah’s Witness” attempting to comfort about robotics research. Yes, that’s a lot of shit :10] –Christine him with pamphlets, my desire to flee over- about robots. The writing is generally good, Show Me the Money #19: Covers political and comes my policy of reading anything, no matter the pieces diverse, and the lay-out is all liter- economic issues such as wage slavery, Japan’s what. I did stay with it long enough to discern ary journal professional. Not worth $4, but I’d economic state, oil shortages, and the looming that he is an avid subscriber to the Book of the like to see this publication at the doctor’s of- energy crisis. Includes an interesting layoff Month Club and savors the theological details fice instead of People. Ellen James and Barry chart detailing the numbers of layoffs for vari- in his book reports (not “reviews,” he assures Steiner, PO Box 8183, Pittsburgh PA 15217, ous companies between the end of 2003 and the the reader). Tastes like: Mrs. Swanson’s TV [email protected] [$4 US, $5 Canada/ first quarter of 2004. Contains in-depth articles dinner. Rodney Leighton, #11 Branch Road, Mexico, no trades, not ftp 48S :35] –Mishap with plenty of references for further study if you RR#3, Tatamagouche NS BOK 1VO, Canada Shattered Wig Review #23: Compilation zine are so inclined. Tony Hunnicutt, PO Box 48161, [trade? 8M :23] –Jaina with poetry, short stories, and comics all told Coon Rapids MN 55448, awhunn@earthlink. Roomatez #3: I like the format of this one-sheet- in a surreal and bizarre style. Nothing cute, net [free but donations (cash or stamps) appre- of-paper mini-comic. The content is a story of cuddly or even remotely upbeat. Some of the ciated 43S 1:00] –Anu some roommates and houseguests – both hu- poetry reads like a bunch of random sentences Sidewalk Bump: Full disclosure: I contributed man and monster – getting together for a game cut from a newspaper and taped together. In to this comic anthology celebrating the per- of dominoes. I won’t give out the ending, but it one piece, the surprise package won by a game

{42} sonal importance, impact, and appreciation of her school year to be boring and disappointing, bad. It’s just, well, drop the “we’re saving lit- skateboarding. While the pieces by Dan Moyni- so this issue is not exactly thrilling, but she erature” bullshit and just write your stories. han, the editor, ably address the wonder, joy, promises a more “depraved” fourth issue – c’est Of course, I could give a fuck about “real writ- and celebration skating can bring – in his seg- à suivre! Kelly Froh, #101-1001 W. Broadway, ers” or “literary weakness. Damn, I gave advice ments on pavement, architecture, the strength Box 450, Vancouver BC V6H 4E4, Canada, again. ULA Detroit Bureau, 632 Prentis #9, of wooden decks, the art of drawing lines while [email protected], www.221colab.org/kelly_ Detroit MI 482101, www.literaryrevolution. skating, and cats – the other contributors also froh [$1, or trade for perzines or auto-bio comix com [$3 64S :50] –Mishap add a lot to the consideration of conquering 26S :25] –Christine Small Press Review v36#3-4: Beyond the inde- concrete. Leslie Kleinberg offers two looks at Slouch #6: A cleanly produced compilation pendent efforts of self-publishers with personal her memories of not skating when she could zine covering a variety of topics: politics, re- computers and rented photocopiers, apparently have. John Isaacson provides a six-page piece turning home, DIY salsa, a thought-provoking there’s a world of big cash prizes, professional on skating in a rustic setting. Dave Kiersh sub- article on not voting, two articles on Burning rejection and acclaim, and press runs in the mitted three comic-text items on how skating Man (a festival city that springs up in the Ne- frickin’ millions. This maga’zine is a useful can affect relationships. And John Porcellino vada desert each year for a week), the obliga- guide to the ambitious – though not quite main- amazes with a couple of wonderful items him- tory article on veganism, zine reviews, and the stream – world of the “small press,” offering de- self. Less aggressive and more amiable than Portland Zine Symposium. Lots to read. High tailed and insightful literary criticism, with a the old Thrasher Comics, this anthology is a quality writing for the most part; too bad the preference for books of poetry. An eye-opening heartfelt hallowing of what some see as a hum- type is a bit on the small side. Wendy & Col- resource. Dustbooks, PO Box 100, Paradise CA ble hobby. Dan Moynihan, 29 Farquhar St. #2, lin, 733 Baker St., San Francisco CA 94115, 95967, [email protected], www.dust Roslindale MA 02131, www.mreow.com [$5 US [email protected], momireadslouch.net books.com [$25/year for individuals, $31/year 52S :04] –Heath [$2.50 US, $3.50 Mexico/Canada, $5 other, or for institutions 24M 1:15] –Susan B. Sister Friend #13: This zine is put out by two trade, ftp 34S 1:20] –Anu Smile, Hon, You’re in Baltimore #5 (July 2004): sisters; they like each other and their pets, but Slug and Lettuce #79: Disclaimer: I distribute Some zines make you wish that you lived in the do not like cell phones, porn, or male gynecolo- this in my town, I love it, and recently wrote city in which they’re published and on which gists. Their rants are too short to hit any points some zine reviews for it. Ok, this DIY punk they concentrate, in this case Charm City: other than those we’ve all heard before, so this newspaper exists to support the community Baltimore. Extremely well designed, this edi- entire enterprise comes off as rushed and shal- from which it sprang. Chris always starts off tion includes many contributions. Highlights low. Yeah, people who spend all day on their with her thoughts/life, then there’s a comic, cell are annoying – but I could’ve gotten that book reviews, columns, and zine/music re- information from any stand-up routine in any views. There are photos and art throughout. number of Comedy Central also-rans. Also, any Punks should get it, and to others: good zine zine that claims that Billy Joel and Phil Collins Advertise in Zine World. reviews and the columns are diverse enough are “cool” while Tom Jones is not is, of course, Rates start at $10! that there is usually something worth reading. immediately suspect. Leslie & JJ, PO Box 4539, Christine, PO Box 26632, Richmond VA 23261 Fairview Heights IL 62208, sisterfriend3.tri [email protected] [60¢ postage, $1 Canada/Mexico, $2 world 18L pod.com [$1, or trade 24S :15] –Karlos :varies with interest] –Mishap Slingshot #81: Quarterly newspaper of a loose Slush Pile #3: The zine of the “ballsy,” “yet collective in Berkeley, Ca. This issue has in- compassionate” Underground Literary Alli- formative articles about midwifery, health ance. The ULA sets itself up as “the raw” alter- care, progressive Judaism, street performing, native to corporate literature, but the contents gay marriage, and Iraq. These folks don’t just prove that having a raison d’etre and a mani- want to educate you, they want you to get festo doesn’t necessarily make your writing involved. Much of the paper is dedicated to any good. The best part about this is the re- planning and reporting on activism in the Bay counting of ULA members taking some elitist Area and around the world. It’s a fairly small New Yorker/McSweeney’s writers to task at a publication, but content-rich and ad-free. This reading for not having any relevance or things would be invaluable to activists in the SF Bay to say while the U.S. government was prepar- area, but worth a read for everyone. Long ing to launch war on Iraq. This confrontation is Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley CA 94705, explained, including the minor physical scuffle. [email protected], www.tao.ca/~slingshot [free The nasty irony is that this issue of Slush Pile in SF area, otherwise $1 bulk mail, $2.50 intl. has no discernible political content, nor does it 16L 1:00] –Abby reference the war on Iraq at all, outside of them Slither #3 (July 2004): On the cover, a girl complaining about others not talking about it. with huge dark circles under her eyes: Kelly What you get is the usual zine fare of personal welcomes us to Slither’s third issue, in which narratives (working at a military base in Ger- she sums up her second year at art school many, life in Detroit, more), excerpts from the and other adventures. Although Slither is an Urban Hermitt’s book, a Texas gang western auto-bio comix, I didn’t learn that much about (that is stupid), and other bits. Except for the Kelly’s personality or philosophy, but since the poor drawings that accompany the pieces and zine is visually appealing, I almost didn’t rea- the dumb-ass cover (busty-woman with “ULA” lize this until the second reading. Kelly found tattooed on her breast drawing), this isn’t half

{43} include Benn Ray’s narrative about getting author Robert Nathan, an absorbing account of pers), “imaginary candies” in real life (Reese’s mugged, Dan Taylor’s drive-in revisitation, a series of run-ins with actor Mickey Rourke, Inside Out), an interview with clint johns of and Davida Breier’s photo essay on classic and a short essay about coming out and going Tower Records (he likes dark chocolate – but movie houses. The rest is worth reading, as to art school in Savannah, Ga. The zine is il- not Hershey’s), and “candy talk” from P.5! well. Tandy adequately captures Baltimore’s lustrated with photographs and reproductions of P.5!’s Pussy. Marker-colored illustrations grit and glitter, horror and heroes. Charm of sketches, sculptures, and paintings. I liked throughout; quite tasty. Corina Fastwolfe, PO City, indeed! Best zine this review batch. Wil- this. Even though some of the subject matter is Box 300152, Minneapolis MN 55403, or Phlox, liam P. Tandy, PO Box 963, Havre de Grace obscure and some of the art abstract, the zine 1174-2 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta GA 30306 [$2 MD 21078, [email protected], www. has a very homey, unpretentious feel. Highly plus 60¢ postage, or trade for candy 16S :12] eightstonepress.com [$3 US, $5 world 56S :21] recommended. A delight for the eye and mind. –Jerianne –Heath Aaron Tilford, 7522 57th Ave., Box 62, Jackson Super #1: A wily satire of superhero comics, in Heights NY 11372, [email protected] Snackbar Confidential #64: Snackbar Confiden- which our protags reveal themselves as self- [$5 US, $6 world, no trades, not ftp 32S :45] tial, where have you been all my life? Although serving, shit-talking, screwed-up rock star pri- –Bloody Mary this was my fiirst time reading this most excel- ma donnas. I’d like to see this go somewhere. lent zine, SC has been amusing its readers for Standing Behind Me #5: This articulate per- The sociopathic alligator-man warrants a full almost seven years now with 60s and 70s pop sonal zine reports on the life of a gay Jewish- storyline. Erik Weems, 509 Rossmore, Rich- culture memorabilia: souvenir ads are pasted American straightedge traveler more interest- mond VA 23225, [email protected], www. along reviews of movies, TV shows, food, can- ed in living his life than looking like a punk. eeweems.com [$? 22XS :08] –Emerson dies, and toys. Order this zine. It’s a fun, fun Dave, who plays in a band call the Fuck Farts, Supreme Nothing #17: Past and present-day read. Willard Dribbleman, PO Box 1359, Hun- writes about the aesthetics of sausage (re-eval- journal that documents the tumultuous re- tington NY 11743-0730, shango7200@yahoo. uating his “stance on meat eating”), coming lationships of a young woman scarred by the com, www.artaugogo.com [$3 cash, no trades full circle with his parents to whom he came break-up of a long-term love affair. Strings of 24S 1:15] –Christine out recently, the significance of a childhood bad luck quickly follow strings of good luck, plush toy, a sex fast he’s observing, and why Sock Monkey Social Life #6: You’ve got to love which fall off into periods of inactivity, which he dropped out of college. Grilled Tuna Zines, a zine where all the characters are drawn as explode into drama, which taper, get surprised, 1357 W. Augusta Blvd. #1, Chicago IL 60622, sock monkeys. Each page of this perzine has fall asleep, move away, then move back sud- [email protected] [$1, or trade 18S a little self-contained story and illustration. denly. I read this zine in one fast-moving half- :25] –Chris If you like Red-Hooded Sweatshirt you’ll like hour. Depression and lightning bolts are reoc- this zine. Fun and light, it’s a nice zine to Steel Kitty #1: Superhero comic. The writing curring themes. Denny, PO Box 211, Burton slip in your bag and chuckle over while wait- is cliché (evil clown? Played!) and the artwork OH 44021, [email protected], www.zinelove. ing in line or on the bus. Alex even includes is amateurish but enthusiastic. Here is your com [trade or nice letter 44XS :30] –Susan B. a little 3-D tidbit. Alex Darch Stolarski, 25071 constructive criticism: I know that drawing Talk to the Paw #1: Rhyming poetry and pro- Calle Playa, Box J, Laguna Niguel CA 92677, backgrounds is difficult and tedious, but you grade illustrations. Could be a collection of [email protected] [$1+stamp US, absolutely must do something other than sim- outtakes from a forgotten Dr. Seuss/Al Jaffe $1:50 world, no trades, not ftp 30XS :30] –Anu ply scrawling big black scribbles in every white collaboration. Suggested to exceptionally hip Songs About Ghosts #1: Though the primary space. It looks horrible. Put in some buildings preschool parents, if you’d like to go ahead plot points revolve around hanging out with and scenery or something and we’ll talk again. and explain the phrase “dirty magazine” be- friends, exploring abandoned buildings and Ben Brown, Psi-ComiX, PO Box 2672, Sioux fore it’s exciting. Rick Bradford, PO Box 2235, slacking off at her café job, this is not your run- City IA 51106, [email protected] Fredricksburg TX 78624, rickbradford@austin. of-the-mill perzine. It’s floating and dreamlike, [$1.50 US, $1.75 world 24S :15] –Karlos rr.com, poopsheet.blogspot.com [50¢ or two 37¢ rendering vivid images through snippets of ac- Styx Taxi: “A Little Twilight Music.” This comic stamps, selective trades 8XS :04] –Emerson tion and memory. The zine is visually interest- book has a great premise: after you die, a taxi ing, as well – especially the black and white Team Evil #1 (March 2004): This extremely waits to take you anywhere in the world for photos she found in the bottom of the elevator well-designed and -produced zine is published up to two hours, as a sort of last chance to tie shaft. [$2 116S 1:30] –Abby by an Australian freelance writer and pub- up loose ends. This kind of open-ended set-up Songs About Ghosts #2: This has passion- lic relations professional who uses a slew of could spawn any number of interesting stories ate, bittersweet confessions from Jasmine pseudonyms – Weezy, Milk Is Chillin’, and Mr. … unfortunately, Styx Taxi has no idea how about friends and lost friendships. The text Sniffles – to “not lose my job.” Opening with a to tell a story. Although the comic’s artwork is is handwritten with occasional typed letters, consideration of violence in hip hop, the zine mature and stylized, the narratives manically plus numerous collages, mostly of butterflies. includes interviews with the Neptunes and jump around between emotional high points, At its best you have writing like this: “There Prince Paul, a quick conversation with an unwilling to establish any sort of natural, char- is a silence that comes in the hollow of an ex- old-school secretary using a typewriter, pieces acter-driven flow. The talent is here, in abun- plosion, after the impact of a meteor, after it on video games and super villains, an appre- dance, but it’s wasted on bad writing. Steven levels the earth.” Jasmine Dreame Wagner, ciation of driving while high, and a look at the Goldman, FWD Books, 347 McDonald Ave. Apt. 252 Norman Ave. #203, Brooklyn NY 11222, Hairdressing Society State Titles. Were Napi- B2, Brooklyn NY 11218, styxtaxi@fwdbooks. [email protected], www.songs eralski not so enamored by not-quite-Hunter com, www.fwdbooks.com [$5, $6 outside US, no aboutghosts.com [$1 68XS :20] –Tom Thompson drug-fueled writing – and were the trades, ftp 28M :30] –Susan B. stories longer reported pieces like those he must Spunk #2 (Winter 2004): An extremely well-pro- Sugar Needle #25: The zine that gives you do as a freelancer – given his interests, experi- duced zine for artists and fans of the arts. This cavities just from reading, cause it is so full of ences, and access, this zine could be awesome. issue has articles about the deeper meaning of candy goodness. This issue includes taste tests As it is, it’s acceptable. I look forward to future the color pink, an essay on early 20th century of some foreign candies (with reprinted wrap- issues. [:07] –Heath •••SECOND OPINION:

{44} Smug hipsters fetishize hip-hop lingo and life- four stories that challenge thinking patterns. Sean has stopped keeping a journal, so for this stylism to absurd extremes, writing stoned, There’s “Nietzsche & Nihilism,” Part One of a 11th issue he goes back to the all-essay format. babbling articles that seem to have helpfully three-part interview with Pastor Jack (founder In this issue we learn about his experience spilled out in the exact lengths needed to meet of the Church of Tom Jones), “How to Start writing his first novel, how he tried to train space requirements. There’s a suggestion here Your Own Philosophy,” and a true/false “Gull- his cats to use the toilet, bike rides in Wichita and there that this is somehow an ingenious ibility Test.” Interesting stuff, well done. Adam Falls, etc. Plus the intro, and book and zine re- social commentary. It’s not. OK however … Vaughn, 2112 248th St., Lomita CA 90717 [free, views. The cover is awesome, with an orange what I want to know is who designed this or trade US, $5 Canada, $10 Mexico/world, ftp and green screenprinted sycamore tree, but zine? Who printed it? Those people are artists, 6L :16] –Tom the layout, although very neat, is not particu- man. The graphics presentation of this zine is larly innovative – some artwork to accompany Thinking About Suicide #1: This meditation on so good I wanted to french-kiss each insipid Sean’s thoughts wouldn’t hurt. More visuals or the Unpardonable Sin evolved from a college page. Mikolaj Napieralski, Team Evil Corp., 12 not, I’ll want to read next issue – this is a zine of art project and picked up some provocative, Heathfield St., Eight Mile Plains 4113, Bris- quality. Sean Stewart, 1703 Southwest Pkwy, well-researched insight on therapeutic culture bane QLD, Australia, team_evil_go@hotmail. Wichita Falls TX 76302, sean@thoughtworm. en route. Katherine’s wont to ramble – you get com [free Australia, $3 US (intl shipping) 32S com, www.thou ghtworm.com [$2, or trade (e- a lot of extraneous personal info – but if you’ve :15] –Susan B. mail first) 28S 1:00] –Christine tangoed with suicide, or simply want a witty, Temporary Guaranteed Shelter: This novella thoughtful, defiantly unsentimental angle on Three Men and a Brain #1: Not a prequel to contains three short stories circa 1979 by Ken an explosive subject, this is worth sticking the 80s movie of similar name, Three Men is Greenley. The first one recounts a cross-coun- around for. [1:01] –Emerson •••SECOND a somewhat shoddily produced but fun comic try trip and his experience as a day laborer in OPINION: A well-researched and open ac- collection of the exploits of two punks, one Portland. The second story is about his job at count of one woman’s experience with suicidal skin, and their intergalactic, inquisitive pal: a local junkyard. Lastly is the tale of living in thoughts and her subsequent delving into the an oversized floating brain with telekinetic a shelter after an ice storm knocked out his ways in which suicide “prevention” manifests in powers. The text is a little hard to read, and power. Decent prose and some humorous mo- this country. She expands her personal issues the drawing is a bit rough, but worth the ments left me wondering if the Red Cross still to make relevant commentary on psychophar- read. Ghoulstomper, PO Box 8793, Toledo OH turns a blind eye to potheads. [:45] –Andrew macology, interpersonal communication, free 43623, [email protected] [$1, or trade •••SECOND OPINION: Strong slice-of-life will, and the current legal tugs-of-war with re- 16S :10] –eric stories, told years later by a writer reflecting spect to suicide. Not a rash, mopy rant, this is Thwip! #96 (April 2004): A fanzine for comic on life in his teens and 20s. In the first story, instead a very sober and candid look at a sub- books, mostly Spider-Man and related ones we meet Ken just as he decides to strike out on ject probably more controversial than sex. Very this time. There are reviews, an interview his own after the high school crowd has broken highly recommended. Katherine Hodges, PO with Andi Watson and reprints of funny page up, and there’s nothing but a shitty factory job Box 64509, Chicago IL 60601, hoydenish@aol. comics. Good-natured, but totally alien to me. and his anxious parents to keep him in town. com [$2 63S 1:00] –artnoose Mostly harmless, if you like mainstream com- He ends up in Portland. Next, we see him at The Thought #138 (Jan./Feb. 2004): “The bi- ics... [$1 US, $2 world 16S :10] –Mishap work in a junkyard, then wait out a winter monthly journal of the Philosophers Guild” Thwip #98: For those who feel close enough to power outage with him in a Red Cross shelter is like a room crowded with people arguing, the long-johned, arachnid comic hero Spider- that’s soon overrun with dying invalids, bad printing opinionated (if not equally coherent) Man to call him “Spidey,” this review might be smells, and weird rumors. This is good stuff. letters, stories, essays, and rants about gay for you. Reviews of classic Spider-Man comics Iniquity Press/Vendetta Books, PO Box 54, marriage, the plasma theory of the universe’s from the 60s, reports from various summer Manasquan NJ 08736, iniquitypress.com [$5 origin, state-sanctioned killing, the rock mu- 2004 comicons, and even a few off-topic com- 54S 2:10] –Susan B. sic industry, firebrand conservative television ics and related reviews. This issue is rounded Ten Foot Rule: “Proliferation.” I haven’t see host Wally George, and responses to anti- out with 19 pages of reprinted Spider-Man anything by Shawn Granton in ages (maybe Semitism as portrayed in Albert Halper’s short comics from the back of various Drake’s Cakes he doesn’t like us anymore?), so I snatched this story “Prelude.” You may want to join the fray, and Devildogs boxes. The ad exec who sealed up immediately when I found it in a store. The or – like me – flee somewhere quiet. [28M :18] the deal on that one must’ve urinated himself first half is a compact telling (with teeny-tiny, –Chris on discovering this zine. All in all, about as but legible, writing) of Shawn’s recent zine tour The Thought #139: This issue offers musings exciting as a drawer-full of underoos. Ivan A. experiences and DIY touring advice. The rest on anarchism vs. statism, space exploration, Martin, 4054 70th St., Urbandale IA 50322, is a mish-mash of typical TFR comics. Worth Arnold Schwarzenegger, and love. Corre- [email protected], hometown.aol.com/thwip the buck if you’re considering touring, but the spondence between readers and the editor meow/thwip1index.html [$1.50 US/Mexico/ rest is otherwise sub-par, in the eyes of a long- are published throughout and appear to be Canada, $2 world, or trade 31S :25] –eric time Granton fan. It feels like Shawn has tired tracking ongoing discussions on various top- Tiny Tall Tales #6: Very short gag-based com- of the title. Nice screen-printed cover. Shawn ics similar to the aforementioned. I didn’t find ics in the MAD tradition, though there’s a strip Granton, PO Box 14185, Portland OR 97293- it especially interesting, but it may be right about a devil’s penis that’s a bit too lewd for 0185, [email protected] [$1 16XS for someone seeking a dialogue on a wide va- good ‘ol Alfred E. Funny bits, for the most part, :05] –Jerianne riety of philosophical issues. Philosophers but it really is tiny. Would’ve enjoyed a few Guild, PO Box 10760, Glendale AZ 85318- Think Again Magazine vII #1: Adam says, “A more tales. [$1, stamps, or trade (preferred) 0760, [email protected], home.att. sometimes brutally honest magazine relying on 8XS :05] –Dan net/~guildmaster/wsb [$2, $11 for 6 issues 28M research rather than the writers’ opinions. No Tiny Tall Tales #7: “Ha, ha!” the artiste chuck- :20] –Abby editorials, no rants, and no opinions. We try to les nefariously. “My crudely drawn comics con- be as objective as possible.” This issue includes Thoughtworm #11: Here’s a zine with content! taining offensive sexism aimed at Xtians, jokes

{45} at a fat person’s expense, and an Indian buying hap teen perzine. Llana searches for her identity ‘fire-water’ from a white supremacist cowboy with an honest heart. She explores the influ- Tones and Notes #1: A new zine about music. will surely establish my reputation as an anti- ence of Kurt Cobain, religion and how it tends I admit that I am one of the most musically pc subversive! Bwaa-ha-ha-ha!” Ugh. I did like to box people in, and the hypocrisy of the New un-inclined people in the world, so most of this the cow chasing the heckler and squashing York Times Magazine. Included are a couple of zine was completely lost on me. It is a discus- him, but otherwise, my minute was wasted. articles from friends, but this zine is at its best sion of some zine called Chord Easy that I’m Clark Allen Dissmeyer, 917 E. 25th St. #5, Ke- with Llana doing the writing. Her descriptions not familiar with. If you do know about chords, arney NE 68847 [$whatever 8XS (one sheet) are vivid: “...ripped lace and dead lilies lullaby I suggest getting this zine because it seems to :01] –Mishap sprinkled with black glitter.” [18S :20] –Anu be very helpful in that area. It is nicely orga- Turpentine #4: This zine has a little of bit of ev- Today, I…: I quite enjoyed this zine Britt calls nized and well written. Light Living Library, erything: recipes, instructions on how to do the “almost journal comics.” We get a little bit of PO Box 190-tn, Philomath OR 97370 [$1, or Charleston, guitar chords for a Hole song, and her life in unpolished drawings and hand-writ- trade for critiques 14S :15] –Nicole wide-ranging band interviews. The most inter- ten text. It’s sloppy, sure, but one of those zines Trannies in Love #7: “Journal of the X-Sex.” esting piece was a long interview with Min- where I say, “Hey, I like this person. Thanks This quarterly, sponsored by the Albany neapolis-based punk trio Eufio, in which band for sharing.” Personal and fun while also shar- Gender Project, contains news relating to the members discuss their various influences, song ing with us the loss of her grandfather, the transgendered community as well as poetry writing, and the unspoken rules in the punk funeral, remembrances, and how her dad was and other writings by transgendered folks. scene. I liked this for the most part; it kept feeling. Also, living in Portland, visiting home, Worth checking out, as there are few publica- me interested. One problem, though: In the and more. Thanks. Britt Moxie, 807 Davis Dr., tions dedicated solely to the voices of trannies. copy I received, there were several faded spots Brentwood TN 37027, [email protected] PO Box 171, Schenectady NY 12301, www. that rendered some short articles unreadable. [$1 US, $2 world, or trade, ftp 32S :15] –Mis- tranniesinlove.com [$1, $5 for 6, checks ok 12L Ilana, 1162 Juliet Ave., St. Paul MN 55105, :05] –artnoose [email protected], www.angel fire.com/ zine2/turpentine [$2 US, or trade (for zine or Trouble in Mind #6: Behind the beautifully de- other stuff), $8 subscription includes “special signed and printed two-color cover, this collec- surprises” 24S :40] –Bloody Mary tion of expressionist comics in the tradition of Masareel & Drooker are more poetic than com- Twenty-eight Pages Lovingly Bound with Twine ical. Drawn and printed in a kind of woodblock- Floss #9: “The Dental Issue.” Christoph’s wife meets-xerox fashion, the stories contained are is a dentist and therein lies the inspiration, if grim tales of everyday life, but with a glimmer anyone was wondering. Includes an “Ask the of hope for its possibility. Recommended. Erik Dentist” column, a dental horror story, teeth Ruin, PO Box 44254, Detroit MI 48244 [$2, or comic, and even some dental poetry. Your in- trade 44S :25] –eric terest level may depend on how fascinating you find the subject of dentistry. Nicely produced True Story!: Barry deals pretty heavily with with a lino block print of a tooth on the cover, fart, dick, and burp jokes, which never get tir- dental floss binding, and teeth stickers. Chris- ing, but also reaches to the more saccharine set toph Meyer, PO Box 106, Danville OH 43014 of things where he recounts how he and Tami [$2, $3 other, or trade, $5 for 3 issues, $18 for got together. I really feel as if I know Barry 12 issues, cash or checks to Christoph Meyer more than those zinesters who choose to focus 28S :35] –Anu so specifically on one or two events for the span Twigmama #6: Friendly little zine by Suzie of their works. What really tops off True Story! Kelly, who has recently moved from New York for me is Barry’s “Resume,” which shows the to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It’s th creator himself. Barry Scanlan, 19367 120 mostly drawings and comics, the centerpiece Ave., Milaca MN 56353, bscanlan39@hotmail. being an autobiographical strip called Queer com [$1 28M :15] –James Redneck, which is charming and funny. Su- Turning the Tide v17#1: “Journal of Anti-Rac- zie Kelly, 955 Whetstone, Ferrum VA 24088, ist Action, Research & Education.” A political [email protected], www.twigmama.com newsprint zine covering the 9/11 attack, the [$2, or trade 36S :25] –Dan occupation of Iraq, and the state of politics The U-Haul Adventures: Collected Columns in regions all over the globe, such as Bolivia, 1996-Tuesday Morning (August 2004): Mike Cuba, Turkey, Italy, the Dominican Republic, Faloon is a magician who has performed with and Venezuela. Includes a piece on democracy pop-punk bands, publisher of Go Metric and by Mumia Abu-Jamal and an interview with Zisk, and a teacher. He also regularly contrib- anit-fascist prisoner, Tim Fasnacht. M. Novick, utes to other zines, and this chapbook collects ARA, PO Box 1055, Culver City CA 90232, anti more than two-dozen pieces. Faloon shares [email protected], www.antiracist stories from an eight-year period about a high- action.us [free in L.A., $2 elsewhere, $15 for school prank, surviving a house fire, teaching, 4 issues, payable to Michael Novick, free to going on tour, inventing a dream robot, living “prisoners, anti-racist activists and people in in New York, and being a sports fan. His writ- struggle” 15L :30] –Anu ing is clever, highly intelligent, and personal. Turpentine #3: Erratic, messy, and charming Mike Faloon, 801 Eagles Ridge Road, Brewster

{46} NY 10509, [email protected] [$3 72S :59] –Heath Umbrella v27#1: This sleek modern art resource guide has been trucking for awhile, and I’ll bet you 10 frogskins it’s never employed a copy edi- tor. Umbrella is a deep, beautifully assembled mix of news, reviews, profiles and contact info; Here’s a handy fewer typos and a tighter format would render it as classy as it wants to be. Judith A. Hoff- list of who to berg, PO Box 3640, Santa Monica CA 90408, hate. Or, if you [email protected], www.colophon.com. actually like Zine [$?, $20 for 1 calendar year, “published on an World, why irregular basis” 34M :44] –Emerson not support our Undeciluna #1: Sequential art genius Mindy volunteers by Fisher effectively amalgamates her early psy- checking out their chedelic experiments within a moody-but-up- zines? lifting young-adult yarn, in which a mistreated girl watches her life transform without ever Abby – Abby left her corporate cubicle in 2002 to pursue more meaningful activities, like volunteering removing her enormous round sunglasses. and making jewelry. She still hates Chicago winters, but can’t imagine living anywhere else. Contact her at Top shelf; easily the finest loot I scored at this [email protected] or c/o Zine World. year’s AMC. Love Bunni Press, 2622 Princeton Rd., Cleveland Heights OH 44118, rjxp@apk. Andrew Mall wishes the yogurt industry would just come clean about the conspiracy that universally net [$? 26S :28 + repeats] –Emerson reduced cup sizes from 8oz. to 6oz. without advance notification. While waiting, he produces a zine called Urban Nature Walk: “Muddy River, I & II.” livingproof and can be found around Chicago from time to time. Send love letters and mix CDs to PO Box Jef of Urban Pantheist has put together this 14211, Chicago IL 60614 or email him at [email protected]. project documenting a look at the history and environment of the Muddy River in Boston. Anu Schnuck loves the many facets of this big, beautiful, interesting world. In between dodging The majority of the zine consists of email ex- hurricanes in South Florida, she is busy reading zines, writing, creating art (both edible and non-edible) changes between Jef and the other partici- and feeding stray cats. Write her c/o Zine World. pants in the nature walks – lots of “sorry, can’t make it” – and well-reproduced pictures taken artnoose – When not seeking out new and improved ways to overthrow capitalism, artnoose spends from the successful outings. The history of the countless hours arranging small bits of lead to form backward versions of the zine Ker-bloom! and then area was most interesting; perhaps they can prints them by hand on a Vandercook Model 4 letterpress. artnoose, PO Box 3525, Oakland CA 94609. cut back on the chit-chat next time. Jef Tay- lor, 423 Brookline Ave #271, Boston MA 02215, Barry Land – For some reason Barry Land remains in Central Ill., where he has spent his life so far. He [email protected], groups.yahoo.com/ manages a copy shop on the University of Ill. campus (uh oh, watch the emails roll in). He is a former band group/urbannaturewalk/ [$? 20S :20] –Andrew member, radio show host, zine editor... Actually there are a lot of things that he could apply the “former” A View #86: Fifteen simple jokes and line tag to. But we won’t get too in-depth about those things. In the present he is a husband, homeowner, and drawings. Example: “have you been paying at- dog lover. He enjoys the occasional havoc wreaking at the local skateboard park, working on and riding his tention to the G-15 Summit?” “I’d rather pay motorcycle, painting, writing, reading, making and drinking beer, collecting and listening to record albums, attention to the G-spot summit!” Not very in- tellectual, but fun to read, let’s say, when wai- and occasionally going to see a live band. And of course he enjoys reading zines and sharing his 2 cents worth ting in line with a bunch of grumpy people... about them. Write to him c/o Zine World. [16XS :05] –Christine Bloody Mary’s Cool Sister publishes the zine Etidorhpa as well as the occasional one-off. She likes A View #90: This is a mini-comic containing fifteen one-panel puns. Yep, you heard right... perzines, art zines, and almost anything literary. Her latest offering is The Confession of Nathan Cross, PUNS. Like puns? Then send this guy some a story about a President, not unlike Bush, who gets his just desserts. She can be reaches at PMB 170, 40 stamps. Michael Goetz, 1340 Brandywine Dr., East Main St., Newark DW 19711. Rockford IL 61108 [2 stamps, or trade 16XS :03] –artnoose Chris likes cookies, cold weather, films with subtitles, and long walks in the wilderness – and is every bit as reclusive as might be expected. Write to Chris c/o Zine World. The Voluntaryist #121: This seemingly anti- state but definitely pro-capitalist newsletter Christine Douville is a Montreal poet and the editor of Pouèt-cafëe litzine. She also recently started a zine features one long essay about the history of and small press distro called Le Petit Marakkesh. You can send her your zine for trade, review, or distro the official identity system in the US and a few consideration (please specify!) at 6595 St-Hubert, PO Box 59019, Montreal QC H2S 3P5, Canada or email smaller tidbits and quotes from historical fig- ures. As interesting as the descriptions were of her at [email protected]. body-measurement techniques before the ad- Dan Morey is an enormously wealthy man-child whose emotional development was stunted at an early vent of fingerprinting, I can’t say I agreed with what sounds a lot like Libertarian conclusions. age when his mother left him for a more agreeable baby. A housebound semi-invalid, Dan enjoys medieval [$4, $20 for 6, “or .07 ounce of fine gold,” $25 for theology, tinkering with cross-species fertilization in his laboratory, and Newhart. At night he dictates 6 overseas 8M :10] –artnoose pornographic vampire novels to his Bulgarian nursemaid. Write to him at Zine World headquarters.

{47} The Voluntaryist #122: I don’t understand the do is think of you.” Best lines: “My chest fuller Pixie.” “I think that once you’ve been friends logical disconnect at the heart of “Voluntary- than it’s ever been/sharing every drop of love with someone for over ten years, they need a ism” – whether people are caught within a from the air.” Mitchell Troutman, General zine or an album or something done in their “fertile free market” or a ruthless government Delivery, Rebuck PA 17867-9999, “for copies name.” And from there, Dave extols the virtues bureaucracy, they are still trapped within a send a request and a stamp to black panther and tells the tattered tale(s) of one Jon Pixie, self-interested system of false, coerced choices. distro, 274 E. Broadway, Winona MN 55987,” superfriend. There is something really endear- Isn’t that obvious? If not, you might enjoy this [email protected] [24XS :10] ing in doing a zine in homage to a good friend, zine, particularly the centerpiece essay, which –Chris just a few lines per cut-n-paste page. Dave’s patiently explains why insurance companies Whino the Whiny Cat #2: This prolific cartoon- thoughts tread a thin line of amusing anecdote shouldn’t have to pay for the losses that re- ist has compiled several short comics into one and excruciatingly personal recollection. The sulted from the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. package. Some pieces are about a whiny cat, experience is kind of like hearing a drunken Carl Watner, PO Box 275, Gramling SC 29348, but others are about entirely different themes: friend mutter a toast at a family gathering: voluntaryist.com [$4, $20 (or .07 ounce of fine time travel theory, space travel, and cynics. you want to cry, smirk, and droop your head in gold) for 6 issues, $25 overseas 8M :35] –Susan Not bad. Yul Tolbert, PO Box 02222, Detroit embarrassment all at once. Grilled Tuna Zines, B. MI 48202-9998, [email protected], 1357 W. Augusta Blvd. #1, Chicago IL 60622, http://timeliketoons.tripod.com [50 cents, or [email protected] [trade only, will Watch the Closing Doors #26: Lots of detail and trade, ftp 27XS :10] –artnoose trade for anything 16XS :15] –eric reminiscing about subway and elevated trains. Why Don’t You Drive a Real Car?: A wonderful This issue focuses on trains running in Queens. The Word Trove v1#1: A very brief literary tour of Chris’s world of drag racing. Unlike the The history, the whys, the wherefores, and the jaunt through the minds of Flagler College. Hot Wheels I envisioned, he races a Honda Civ- idiosyncrasies are all discussed. It brought Mostly poems, and the best one is a hilari- ic in what’s more specifically known as bracket back some pleasant memories, as I spent part ous Shel Silverstein parody; “Cynthia Sarah racing. I love peeks into obscure subcultures. of my childhood riding these very same trains. Sylvia Stout Would Not Read the Books I’d He details an entire season with technical ex- Purple cover with b&w photos of track, sta- Tell Her About.” Tastes like: Lipton’s tea and planations, illustrations, and personal reflec- tions, interiors and exteriors of trains. Pleas- a creamer packet. Adam Brod, PO Box 1261, tion. Tastes like: Korean BBQ. Chris Griffin, ant but perhaps only truly interesting in its St. Augustine FL 32085, alternateflaglerlit Knucklehead Press, PO Box 307663, Columbus entirety to train buffs. Fred Argoff, 1800 Ocean [email protected] [two bits, or trade 4M :10] OH 43230, [email protected], www. Pkwy., #F-10, Brooklyn NY 11223-3037 [$10 –Jaina knuckleheadpress.com [$2 64XS :37] –Jaina for next 4 issues, cash preferred, checks/MO ok Working Stiff Review #1 (Aug. 2004): Terry to Fred Argoff 22S :30] –Anu Why Not? #8: The layout of this zine is a bit lets us in on the ugly truths of working in the awkward, it goes from being a “flip from the Wave2.5 #1 (Spring 2004): “Wave2.5 is the mid- sevice industry. From unfair hiring and fir- top” deal to regular book style and back. The point between second and third wave femi- ing practices to lack of sick time, he informs content includes a short story with aliens, a re- nisms.” At this tentative juncture, feminists and educates about the plight of employees in ally neat and intricate maze, and a romantic wrestle with the future of their movement jobs such as waitstaff, cook, counter help, and article about amazing surprises author Jem as they continue to confront false, encultur- cashiers. Written in a wry and sardonic style, has given to friends and lovers in the past. ated perceptions of women. Menstruation, WSR is anything but dry. “10 guaranteed ways It’s the kind of article you’ll want to slip into pornography, the self-mutilating struggle for to make yourself look stupid in a restaurant” is your significant other’s morning paper. Jem “beauty,” and the necessity of a diverse and vo- not to be missed. Nice color cover; has comics Gardner, PO Box 1234, Berkeley CA 94701, cal community are featured topics. Extensive interspersed. Terry Everton, 608 E. 3rd Ave, [email protected] [$1, or trade 27S reading recommendations. A bit doctrinaire. Castle Rock CO 80108 [$5 US, $6 Canada, no :20] –Nicole [:20] –Susan B. •••SECOND OPINION: A trades, not ftp 22M :40] –Anu balance of thoughtful criticism, sexy irrever- Will Work for Food #0: I didn’t make it past Wrestling Then & Now #156: I’m not into ence, and practical individuality. One bit accu- the first page, where an obscenity-laden rant wrestling; it does nothing for me. But I think rately equates Valerie Solanis’ canonized rant excuses the soldiers’ conduct at Abu Ghraib as any fan would appreciate this zine. This is- “S.C.U.M. Manifesto” with violent, misogynist justifiable. The design is completely illegible, sue is a “religious” one and takes a look at the porn and defends both. Another provides in- and the ideas espoused are atrocious. $5 for debate between wrestling and Christianity. It structions for making washable menstrual the full version? I’d pay $5 if this guy prom- also explores wrestling as a religion of sorts pads. Classy production to boot. Hang ten and ises to never publish again. It’s not worth the and contains an interview with Dale Pierce. contribute something; I’d like to see this zine copious toner wasted to print it. [free 12S :02] Most likely a must read for fans of wrestling. survive and proliferate, and the publishers –Jerianne Evan Ginzburg, PO Box 640471, Oakland seem to crave feedback even more than the rest Will Work For Food #1: Color cover, computer Gardens Station, Flushing NY 11364, evan_ of us. Mimi Marinucci, 1922 E. 18th Ave., Spo- layout. Art and diatribe zine that isn’t worth [email protected], www.wrestlingthenand kane WA 99203, [email protected] your time. The “Top Ten Things to Say When now.com [$5 27M :20] –Nicole [$?, “Do not send money. Please e-mail first.” Accused of Being a Terrorist” is racist. The po- 44XS :20] –Emerson litical consciousness of this rag resides at the Writer’s Block (August 2004): A gathering of level of calling people “cocksuckers” and “bitch” poetry and prose, a few things decent. One is What We Need/We’ve Got: This poetry split and “why not just bomb Iraq” off the map. Igno- a memoir of a New Orleans resident, but my zine by Wesley Haines (based in Middleburg, rant, sexist schlock. A waste of paper. A waste favorite is a (true?) story about some guys Pa.) and “Mitchell Out” is full of big feelings – all around. You aren’t shocking, just pathetic. who get back at the neighborhood busy-body awe, regret, sadness – inadequately expressed. Fuck off. River Rats Press, PO Box 9833, Fall by stealing the nativity scene out of her yard It’s good to acknowledge one’s emotions, but River MA 02720 [$5 32M :15] –Mishap and holding it for ransom. Nicholas Purvis, trite expressions about breaking up don’t war- 903 Lytle St. Apt. 2, Murfreesboro TN 37130, rant sharing. “If I ever want to be warmer/All I Willow Run #1: “A Zine About My Friend Jon [email protected] [$? 29M :10] –artnoose

{48} Xerography Debt #13: In the “review zine with Emerson Dameron can’t be everywhere at once, but he spreads love and scatters his seeds hither and perzine tendencies” each of the 16 reviewers yon. Send desperate cries for help to [email protected]. has license to review the zines of their own choosing in the format they prefer. At its best, eric zass is the consignment buyer at the local bookshop. He eats little, sleeps less, and still manages to the reviewer’s personality shines through to squeeze out a zine every here and there. Drop him a line at [email protected] or send a zine to trade at make the reviews more informative and enter- eric zass, 261 Columbus Ave., San Francisco CA 94133. taining. The reviewers are strong and reviews are pleasantly long enough to really give the Heath Row is an editor, amateur historian, pedestrian, and media geek who lives in Brooklyn, NY. An reader a sense of the zine. At its worst, it’s a bit active zine reader, publisher, and reviewer since 1988, he maintains the blog Media Diet at www.cardhouse. clubby and self-indulgent. Zine scene news and com/heath. Email him at [email protected] or write to him c/o Zine World. columns round out the package. Overall, it’s a terrific resource. [60S 1:00] –Abby Jaina A. Davis retired her tiara when she stopped publishing Flatter! The Journal of Oblate Puffery. Zine Xerography Debt #14: This relatively fat zine World reinvigorated her enthusiasm for whiling away precious moments with inscrutable periodicals. Don’t review zine separates its reviews according to call it a comeback! Contact her via Zine World. the 20 reviewers, most (if not all) of whom hail from the zine scene. This unique style makes James McQuiston is the editor of NeuFutur and InterStitial zines. You can pick them up by emailing the reviewers kind of like columnists (with cute him at [email protected] or visit www.neufutur.com. mugshots and bios) rather than just names at- tached to end of their scattered reviews. I find Jerianne sporadically does a perzine called Rejected Band Names, in which she writes about her life and the reviews to generally be thoughtful and well stuff. $2. She also recently published a cute little zine called How To Be a Library Patron, $1. Talk to her written. A fine addition to your zine review zine about Zine World at PO Box 330156, Murfreesboro TN 37133-0156 or [email protected]. collection. Davida Gypsy Breier, PO Box 963, Havre de Grace MD 21078, davida@leekinginc. John D. “Bud” Banks, our Webmaster, published BudZine for a brief period in the mid-90s. Since then, com www.leekinginc.com [$3 US, $5 world 60S he’s been earning a living and hanging out online, where you can find him at www.easywriter.com. :20] –artnoose kindly requests that everyone stop making zines about politics and poetry and start Young Pioneers #1: This premiere issue is an Karlos the Jackal ambitious primer to the world of independent making zines about Disneyland and professional wrestling. In return, he promises to be much, much more travel culture, interviewing a startling array interested in your work than he is now. of budget travel pioneers. Among many oth- ers, Dan talks to Lonely Planet founder Tony Kris recently moved to Spain right around the same time that he stumbled into this fascinating world of Wheeler; Susan Griffith, the author of the sem- underground publishing. He is currently reviewing Spanish-language zines he picks up on his own for ZW. inal Work Your Way Around the World; and In his free time he publishes the zine Extranjero (yours for a modest amount of $US or euros) with his wife, the Mad Monks behind an early incarnation Lola. European zines – send a copy to us! Drop us a line: Kris & Lola, Calle Obispo 4 bajo, Plasencia 10600, of “dashboard publishing.” Read together, the Caceres, Spain/España. interviews offer a fascinating history of budget travel – and the budget travel lit scene! Well Kyle Bravo helps run the Hot Iron Press – a custom letterpress and screenprinting shop and distributor of done! Dan Eldridge, PO Box 10215, Pittsburgh various printed paraphernalia and art novelties. For a catalog send $1 to 1420 Kentucky St., New Orleans PA 15232, [email protected] [$3, $5 LA 70117 or visit www.hotironpress.com. Canada/Mexico, $7 World, $10 for 4 issues, no trades, not ftp 68S 2:40] –Susan B. Misfit – If you’d like to talk about your review, please write to Ryan Misfit, PO Box 5841, Eugene OR Zen Baby #11: Zen Baby is anything but zen, 97405. Please, no emails. put together in a frenzied cut & paste style, lives in Penn. with her husband and menagerie of animals. She is currently, finally, with text jammed into every nook and cranny. Nicole Etolen Mostly a poetry zine with contributors, which finishing up the next issue of her zine, so anyone who ordered it, it’s coming, don’t worry. 160 Lake results in some really good stuff and some ba- Valhalla, East Stroudsburg PA 18301 nal. Politics figure heavily with rants on Bush, Kerry, and the occupation of Israel as some of Steve Omlid has just started graduate school in sociology and is alternately exhilarated and terrified. the topics. Offers a unique perspective in that And, he’s trying to come to terms with the fact that he will continue to be alternately exhilarated and the editor is a pre-surgery trans-male coping terrified for the next four years. But he will continue to review zines for Zine World, as he needs some kind with a brain injury. Christopher’s writings on of life beyond classical theory and research models. And he will finally be completing his third chapbook his own life experiences and what he wants out of raunchy poetry written under the nom de smut ferret at his next break, for release in January. See this of life provide the most compelling reading. space in the next for details! Lots to read; good value. Christopher Robin, ZW PO Box 1611 Santa Cruz CA 95061 [$2 US, Susan Boren – I used to wonder how I looked to older versions of myself. This was in high school. I $2+stamp world, or trade, ftp 34M 1:30] –Anu remember I once sat on the bathroom counter in my parent’s house, inches away from the mirrored wall, Zine Crunch #3 (Nov. 2003): A clever and time- and delivered a long lecture about identity. I really felt like I was hearing the voice of a future self. That ly comic by Sue Clancy about how Uncle Sam was more than 10 years ago. Now I make zines. Send a donation to: PO Box 66512, Austin TX 78766. (with his big military stick) alongside his mis- tress Multinational Moola (and her insatiable Susan L. likes zines, rhetoric, trash, brit pop, Radio K, and Minneapolis. Years spent as a writing center lust for profits) kidnap the world and expose it tutor and college writing instructor have made her a fascist about readability issues, but she’s getting over to some good old American bullshit. This one it. Contact her c/o Zine World.

{49} made me laugh out loud. Well done. This Artist zine. Main feature this issue is a 14-page Mis- views, though there’s an embarrassing mo- Studio, Sue Clancy and Judy Sullens, 1116 Se- fits article, including interviews with Jerry ment when the interviewer asks Lehane about quoyah Trail, Norman OK 73071-6827 [$2.50 Only and Bobby Steele. Other subjects include writing the screenplay for Mystic River, which or $2 plus 2 stamps, or trade, not ftp 24XS :15] Supersuckers, Gwar, and pro-wrestler/rocker was actually written by Brian Helgeland. Ad- –Bloody Mary Chris Jericho. Pretty stacked lineup and the dress is changing; email to verify. Scissor interviews aren’t half bad. The last 50-plus Press, 32 Alfred Street, New Haven CT 06512, Zine Solar System 2.5 #2 (Oct. 2003): The ZSS pages consist of “underground” comics that [email protected], ww2.punkmusic. has 13 pages of zine listings instead of reviews, I can only describe as “interminable.” Comes com/sp/verbicide/verbicide.html [$3.95, $4.95 to “let the zine readers think for themselves,” with a compilation CD. The #Number Founda- Canada, $12 for next 4 issues 64M :50] –Dan including a picture of the cover, visual excerpt, tion, 97 Clinton St. Suite #1B, New York NY one-sentence description, and ordering info. 10002, [email protected], www. This issue also includes a contributor’s per- royalflushmagazine.com [$6.50 116M 1:15] sonal description of the zining process (which books –Karlos seemed designed for zine newcomers), some Americanjism Book One: Want to know what comic strips, and two poems. [:35] –Christine Scram! #17: No passion is a waste of time if happens when harmless pleasures like mas- •••SECOND OPINION: A zine-review zine one thinks critically and learns something, turbation and smoking pot become joyless with an unusual layout: a reduced image of and Kim Cooper’s festive magazine usually compulsions? Buy this absurd graphic novel each cover; a brief, unbiased description; and gets results grilling bubblegum music geeks on and find out! After smoking a bowl and defil- a visual sample of its innards. Two listings their addictive habit. But not everyone works ing a Bible, our hero promptly descends into a per page – plus a few poems, comix and ran- things out verbally: Writer Jonathan Donald- disjointed chain reaction of cartoon depravity. dom ads. Tastes like: bottled water. Yul Tol- son spends a lot more time talking than his As a crowning touch, the story itself is a bitter bert, PO Box 02222, Detroit MI 48202-9998, interview subject, Liam “Plush” Hayes. A lot denunciation of Christian hypocrisy that me- [email protected], timeliketoons.tripod. more. Kim Cooper, PO Box 461626, Hollywood chanically jerks off to exactly the perversion it com/zss [$1.50, no trades, ftp 31S :30] –Jaina CA 90046-1626, [email protected], denounces. Classy. Joe must have drawn this www.scrammagazine.com [$5 US, $8 overseas, bout of ridiculous pornography with his feet $20 for 4 issues, $32 overseas, check/mo to Kim because I can’t imagine that his hands were Cooper 48M :46] –Emerson ever free. Joe Denny, Pipe Dream Comics, PO not quite a zine Box 432, Sag Harbor NY 11963 [$12 US, $16 Clamor #26: High quality magazine covering Too Much Coffee Man #20: Humor zine with international, check or MO only, “if cash, send a huge variety of diverse and important top- contributors. Contains coffee recommenda- certified” (age stmt?) 113S :55] –Susan B. ics such as prisoners rights, animals that are tions, lots of comics, movie, zine, and book forced to work, Iraqi labor unions, Bush’s guest reviews. This issue’s topic is travel. There are Happy Birthday: Flip open to a random page, worker proposal, women’s prison labor, the pieces on meeting God as a tourist, vacation- and it’s hard to say whether Jozril A. Dahl dilemma of being vegan and working in a lab, ing in dangerous areas, and tiki culture. “The (Seymour Ackerman to the folks) is a flipped- and even the safety of sex toys. I enjoyed this Superman Stories II” and most of the comics out visionary or a lucky word-salad chef. How- zine immensely, especially the article “What’s are genuinely funny. Lots to read. Has ads and ever, read front to back, and, if you’re anything your passion?” The sheer breadth of the subject a UPC. Shannon Wheeler, PO Box 14549, Port- like me, you’re swept up in his saga of drugs, matter is staggering. I guarantee that you’ll land OR 97293, www.tmcm.com [$4.95 US, random encounters, and unreciprocated pas- find a lot in the zine to not only inform but to $6.75 Canada , $25 for 1 year 64M 1:06] –Anu sion, and it ceases to matter (much). You pick entertain. Contains ads & a UPC. Recommend- up his language. Our leading man is a particu- ed. [65M 3:00] –Anu Verbicide #10: Magazine covering “indepen- larly observant teenager, and JAD doesn’t let Clamor #27: Clamor exists “to provide a media dent literature, music & art.” Mixed bag of us forget how every disappointment and mis- outlet that reflects the reality of alternative fiction, interviews with bands Youth Brigade understanding feels like Armageddon in youth. politics and culture in a format that is acces- & Street Dogs, some uneven comics, book re- I haven’t really wept in years, but Dahl’s last- sible to people from a variety of backgrounds.” views, lots of record reviews, artwork, and kiss scene (“She smiles and says... ‘that’s never “Accessible” is the key word here – Clamor some surprisingly good poetry. Packed with going to happen again.’ As all that is left within aims at attracting readers who may not even stuff to read. I especially enjoyed “Love, Loss, me that glows brightly crumbles into billions of consider themselves socially “radical,” but who and the Man In Black,” “Oliver and Veronica,” dead stars distributed through infinite space.”) are nevertheless searching for alternatives to and “Everybody’s Laughing, Everybody’s Cry- damn near capsized the canoe. At the absolute well-worn paths over cliffs. This issue is orga- ing, What the Hell?” All well written. Music least, Happy Birthday is certain to delight Ur- nized around the theme of family, with articles reviews tend toward flavors of punk and hard- ban Hermitt fans young ‘n’ old. Fever Press, about a matriarchal tribe in China, neo-tribal core with some rock and pop thrown in. The Box 37016, RPO Vital Centre, Winnipeg MB extended families, queer marriage, mother- best part: while reading stuff you would nor- R2M 5R3, Canada, [email protected], hood in the hip-hop community, and child- mally enjoy, you get exposed to things that are www.feverpress.com [$12.95 US, $15.95 Can- rearing without TV. Positive and practical, I new to you. Contains ads & a UPC. [1:30] –Anu ada 96PB 2:26 + repeats] –Emerson recommend casually leaving this magazine on •••SECOND OPINION: This mag spotlights the coffeetable at your mom’s house. Become “independent literature, music, and art, as Land of Hypocrisy: Kennie Anderson wrote the Media, PO Box 20128, Toledo OH 43610, well as more mainstream figures like Dennis this book to get younger people interested in [email protected], www.clamormaga Lehane. The presentation is fairly pro, com- activism by offering just the facts without the zine.org [$4.50, $6 Canada, $18 for 6 issues, plete with glossy color cover and barcode, but muddle of scholarly theorizing, and this book $25 for non-US orders, checks OK to “Become the content is less than exciting. The fiction is does just that. It’s a dense and unrelenting the Media” 68M 2:35] –Susan B. over-earnest and amateurish and the cartoons tally of America’s crimes against its citizens are seriously lacking in funny. A couple good and the world. There are sections on the media Royal Flush book 3: Thick, slick music maga- poems by Seth Gotro, and some decent inter- and military (especially relevant since the Iraq

{50} prison abuse scandal) and America’s seedy Suzanne Hackett publishes Your Attention, Please Zine, a sporadically produced journal of outsider art foreign interventions throughout its history. and western exploration. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband (and partner in the Goldwell Open Air There is also a section on America’s domestic Museum and Sand Dune Press), their two sons, and Miss Cybil Shepard, dogstar of the perzine, Unlucky in problems (no health insurance, environmental abuses, the capitalist economy) and a closing Love. Write in c/o Zine World. section on potential future conflicts. My only Tom Hendricks – As Art S. Revolutionary, I publish Musea a 12-year-old monthly art zine that’s leading beef with this book is that it didn’t offer much the art revolution against the corporate art and corporate media weasels and for the best of indy art/media. in the way of potential solutions to our prob- lems – although it does have a listing of activist As Hunkasaurus & His Pet Dog Guitar I’ve recorded a new 30-song CD. The Musea website is http://musea. organizations to contact at the end. Also, I feel digitalchainsaw.com Musea is $1 or trade: 4000 Hawthorne #5, Dallas TX 75219-2223. a brief civics lesson would have been helpful. I think if young people had a greater knowl- We regret that neither Zine World nor our staffers can afford to trade (exceptions noted). It’s just an edge of how their government was supposed economic impossibility, when we’re dealing with so many zines. to work, it might be more likely to work that way. Still, this would be a good book to give a NEWS WRITERS younger sibling because the earlier they know the score, they more time they will have to Audrey Gagnon is a freelance writer from Toronto who edits the zine section of Broken Pencil and change it. Kennie Anderson, PO Box 67, Black contributes to numerous zines. Hawk SD 57718, [email protected] [$17 US, $18 Canada/Mexico, other countries Claire Sewell publishes zines. please e-mail first 222PB 2:00] –Bloody Mary Dave Wreckoning lives in Mass., makes sounds, write words, sometimes brushes teeth, and sometimes A Llama’s Tale: “Freesia’s Little Llama Farm.” produces Day of Reckoning zine; email him at [email protected]. This chapbook details the gentle and sweet story of a llama farm as it goes through the Jennifer Aaron publishes the zine gretchen; learn more about it at www.freewebs.com/gretchenzine. seasons. Children and adults alike will enjoy the antics and personalities of the llamas that Jess is a 16-year-old from Pennsylvania; visit her at revello.org. inhabit the farm while learning about the be- M. Brianna Stallings is trying vigilantly to carve out a writing career in Albuquerque, NM. havior, breeding, and training of these playful creatures. A wonderful book to read to chil- mordechai who writes under the pen name diagram and publishes a zine of the same name, can be dren at bedtime or anytime you want to slow reached at [email protected]. down a bit and lose yourself in a simpler world. This quietly enchanting story teaches about the natural rhythms of nature, following your ARTISTS dreams, and the importance of being yourself. Duane Ballenger (p. 33) draws comics, like Meatloaf Freak. Contact him at [email protected] or Well-illustrated with expressive pen and ink visit www.wideawakepress.com. drawings by the artist/author; you can almost see the llamas prancing before your eyes. Rec- Mike Twohig (p. 8) is a freelance painter and illustrator living in Rochester, NY, where he earned a ommended. Lydia Chiappini, Heavens Gate BFA in Illustration from Rochester Institute of Technology. Some of his work can be seen at miketwohig. Press, 60 Gaisler Road, Blairstown NJ 07825, [email protected], wingedllama.homestead.com artconspiracy.com. Buy his illustration zine, coldhandsdeadheart for $2 US from 72-1 Meadow Farm South, [$12, checks ok to Heavens Gate Llama Farm, North Chili NY 14514. also available from Amazon.com 61S 3:00] (p. 6 and 18) owns a business called This Artist Studio along with her partner Judy Sullens. –Anu Sue Clancy The studio creates handmade and marbled papers that are turned into one-of-a-kind hand-sewn books On Subbing: The First Four Years: I was lucky for sketching and journaling. These are sold all over the US, Canada, and Ireland. They also make zines enough to catch Microcosm’s recent Cocoon and comics, some of which are published by folks like Zine World! Drop us a line! [email protected] or zine tour, where I picked up this book. It’s a collection of stories/diary entries from Dave’s [email protected]. zine (On Subbing), about working as a sub- Thanks to Michael Gastner, Cosma Shalizi, and Mark Newman of the University of Michigan for the stitute teacher in special education classes. I haven’t finished it yet, but I can assure you it’s election results map we used on the cover. See more maps at www.cscs.umich.edu/~crshalizi/election. outstanding, just based on the excerpts I heard Dave read. It’s an amazing piece of work: at times heartwarming, often funny, Dave is just an average punk guy trying to do his best by Help Wanted! a group of kids who aren’t “normal.” It’s obvi- Would you like to see Zine World come out more frequently? You can make ous Dave really cares for these kids, and the it happen, by lending a hand. We sorely need a News Editor and a Word of dedication he shows is inspiring. The book also captures his growth and development in Mouth Editor. We also need more news writers, column writers, proofreaders working with these kids. Microcosm Publish- and other volunteers. If you’ve got the energy, the time, and the dedication, ing, 5307 N. Minnesota Ave., Portland OR 97217-4551, www.microcosmpublishing.com, let us know: PO Box 330156, Murfreesboro TN 37133-0156 [email protected] [$4 130PB still reading] or [email protected].

{51} –Jerianne were a bit too Andy Kaufman for me. TNI PO Box 480463, Denver CO 80248-0463, Books, 2442 NW Market #357, Seattle WA [email protected], www.squidworks.com Stand Up, Ernie Baxter: You’re Dead, by 98107, [email protected] [$14 US, please [$11.95 US, $12.95 Canada/Mexico, $13.95 Adam Voith, with comic illustrations by Mike e-mail for postage and prices for other locations PayPal at website, age stmt (13+ with written Lowery: In Adam Voith’s latest novel, 28-year- 256PB 2:00] –Bloody Mary parental consent, or 18+) 88S :40] –Anu old Seattle postal worker Ernie Baxter dies of cancer and finds himself in heaven where he Thank You for Your Continued Interest: Letters the whispering of ice cubes: “new and selected spends most of his time observing surviving and Essays, by Rev. Richard J. Mackin: While I pieces by rupert wondolowski.” A slim volume friends and family on the other side. There’s think that the 1977 book The Lazlo Letters by of dark, surreal poetry and a couple of short his mother, who stayed with him until him Don Novello may be the only collection of “con- stories. Apparently Rupert is fascinated with until the end, and his high school sweetheart, sumer defense corporate poetry” that anyone anything pertaining to buttocks for they along Kyra, who’s pregnant with her first child and really needs, I’ve got to give props to former with “buttholes,” colons, and buttcracks figure married to Dain, an obnoxious guy who claims improper Bostonian Rich Mackin. Despite his heavily in his work. Other themes include dis- he’s working on an expose about the American recent imbroglio and resulting punk and zine memberment, loss, twisted sex, sadism, bad working class when all he seems to be doing scene controversy, his work remains hyperki- smells, and all sorts of body fluids. If the fol- is staying out late and drinking. Even though netically prolific and of some importance. I say lowing excerpt speaks to you, buy this book: the newly dead Baxter can’t directly influence “some” because I think the consumer defense “Grandma’s hand is sewn to your thighs while those he’s left behind (in Voith’s version of corporate poetry schtick is played out and others have bank accounts.” Normals Books, heaven haunting the living is a no-no) he can Mackin needs a new plan of attack to remain 425 E. 31st St., Baltimore MD 21218 [$8 51S hope that they read the stand up routines that relevant and progressive. This trade paperback :30] –Anu he’s saved for prosperity on his laptop. At the collects 145 pages of his missives to compa- urging of Ernie’s mother, Kyra reads the lap- nies such as the Campbell Soup Co., Cadbury top material and discovers her former beau’s Beverages, Newsweek, Philip Morris, General video secret life as a stand-up comedian as well as Mills, McDonald’s, Nike, Starbucks, and Pfiz- A Hundred Dollars and a T-Shirt: Some of a few things about herself. Generally, I liked er. A lengthy exchange with Star Markets Co. you kids out there may not know this, but this. It was well written, and for the most part, about their iced tea and four essays on youth once upon a time San Francisco was the Zine genuine, original, touching, and funny. Ironi - culture, travel, and bicycles round out the Capital. That title undoubtedly now belongs cally, the weakest parts of the book were the volume. A clear idealist, Mackin is extremely to Portland. $100 was made by Joe Biel, zine comedy routines illustrated by Mike Lowery. well versed in DIY culture. But this book, some publisher, co-head of Microcosm Distro, and of his columns, and other projects often come The artwork was okay, but the routines them- co-organizer of the Portland Zine Symposium. across as exercises in self-promotion and futile selves (with the exception of one about a local Joe made this documentary to not only capture jokery rather than fervent political activism rock icon’s day job at Abercrombie and Fitch) the zine scene in Portland, but to also give a and selfless grassroots media worker training good, comprehensive overview of zines: their – which he could easily deliver, given his ex - history, what they are, why and how people periences and expertise. Step up, Mr. Mackin; make them. It’s sort of like a video version of your readers – and you – deserve more. Gorsky Stolen Sharpie Revolution, except not as how- Press, PO Box 42024, Los Angeles CA 90042, to. $100 includes interviews with several zine www.gorskypress.com, richmackin@earthlink. publishers (my favorite bits featured Moe of net [$12 191PB 1:13] –Heath Xtra Tuf), plus Chloe of the zine store Reading Things Are Meaning Less: This autobiographi- Frenzy, and folks from the Independent Pub- cal compilation by Al Burian (Burn Collector) lishing Resource Center. Joe’s lack of filmmak- feels at times sad and bleak, but makes a com- ing experience gives the film a true DIY feel pelling read. It’s a worthwhile examination – the lighting isn’t perfect, there are occasional of what life is really all about. As Al writes & sound problems – but this only adds to the draws about the places he has lived and his authenticity of the work. It feels like you are experiences there, his self-doubt and isolation, watching a zine about zines. My only complaint he deftly brings the reader along on the sort of is this: The final segments feature a lot of com- philosophical journey many of us have taken plaining from the interviewed publishers, and or will take in our lives. Recommended. Mi- while this may be an accurate representation crocosm Publishing, 5307 N. Minnesota Ave., of the zine community, I truly wish the end of Portland OR 97217-4551, www.microcosmpub the film were as uplifting and inspirational as lishing.com [$7 156PB :50] –Jerianne the rest of it. Why end on a sour note? Regard- less, A Hundred Dollars and a T-Shirt gets a The Wang: The BIG One: Funny, silly, and strong recommendation. Buy it to put faces depraved all describe Stan’s graphic novel to familiar zine publishers’ names, or to hear about Eugene, a college grad victimized by his what other zinesters have to say about what girlfriend, his mother, and just about anyone we’re doing and why, or to show to people who else he happens to meet. Although the end- ask you “what the heck is a zine anyway?” ing is a bit anti-climatic, the Star Wars-esque Just buy it. (Not convinced? View the trailer at saber duel with vibrators between Eugene’s Microcosm’s website.) Microcosm Publishing, girlfriend and mother is rather inventive. Pro- 5307 N. Minnesota Ave., Portland OR 97217- fessionally produced with a UPC. Not for those 4551, [email protected], www. that offend easily. Stan Yan, c/o Squid Works, microcosmpublishing.com [$8 DVD, $13 VHS :83+extras] –Jerianne {52} [email protected]: clint johns, perhaps the biggest champion of zines in retail, recently announced he is taking a step down at Tower. Formerly the head of Tower’s Magazine Division, clint will now work only part-time as Tower’s zine buyer. He made this post to alt.zines on October 18: “(M)y last day as the Chief Dude at Tower Records’ Magazine Division was October 1. There are lots of reasons for this, most of which are boring to anyone who doesn’t know me, but I’m convinced that it was the right thing to do. I accomplished all the goals I set for the job years ago. The only part of it I still really enjoyed was working with the zines. “It’s a good thing, too, since I’m staying on as the Mag Division’s resident zine buyer. My time in the office is going to be pretty limited – I may only come in for extended periods of time on weekends – so I’ll Here’s where zine publishers and readers can really give each be using the email a lot. There’s still some shifting going on, as non- other a hand. Support the zine community, by telling us what zine entities (big vendors, rack manufacturers, and so on) slowly start you know! Please send us your comments – pro and con – about talking to my replacement. ... anything related to vendors and venues for self-published works. “I was feeling kind of maudlin when I started this, but in the writing We’re interested in your experiences with zine stores, mailorder realized that, if all goes well, zine folks will only see improvement to distributors, print shops, deadbeat zines, etc. – anything zine or working with Tower – after all, it’s the first time Tower will have publishing related. someone on staff whose whole job revolves solely around zines! Please send your comments to: PO Box 330156, “Diana Montes, formerly my able assistant and now my able Murfreesboro TN 37133-0156 or email wordofmouth@underg co-worker, is handling all the zine accounting and stuff, and she’s roundpress.org. accessible at the usual numbers. Also, if you want to know if your zine Comments may be edited, and can be printed anonymously if came in, you can always ask her. (She’s at 916-373-2544).” We e-mailed clint for a few more details, and here’s what he told us: you ask. We provide this option in the spirit of greater information “The best news is that my role means that none of the zine folks who sharing. Note: In this section, anything in “quotes” is said by zine sell, have sold, or will sell to Tower should notice any change at all. I’m publishers, readers, store staff, etc. – not by this publication. still running the zine buying. We’re making a couple of adjustments to the payment scheme, but as near as I can figure the only thing that will mean to the average zine publisher is that they might actually get MAILORDER DISTRIBUTORS, paid faster, and more regularly.” clint also said that he is using his newfound free-time to return to ONLINE, STORES school; he’ll be entering a PhD program in cognitive psychology. ECOLIBRIUM ENVIRONMENTAL SHOP in Burlingame, Ca., has Disagree with an opinion here? Have your own comments – positive or closed, but zines and other items sold at the store are still available for negative – to add? Contact [email protected]. purchase at www.ecolibrium.info or by writing to Christopher Robin, PO Box 1611, Santa Cruz CA 95061-1611. ZINES & PUBLISHERS FORK AND SPOON DISTRO has a new mailing address: Stephanie Here’s an update on Cullen Carter (The Secret Life of Snakes, My Scarborough, PO Box 981, Fort Worth TX 76101, diystore.cjb.net. Moon or More), who was hit by a car while bicycling in April 2003: “I’ve gotten a couple of emails from Cullen in the last couple of NEEDLES & PENS, 483 14th St., San Francisco CA 94103: “Needles & days! He didn’t include too many details but mentioned how much it’s Pens sells DIY clothing, zines, and also features an art gallery. They meant to him that zinesters showed so much loyalty and concern for pay consignment and are reliable, even though snail mail response has him after the accident. Also he wrote that he’s ‘trying hard to readjust been slow. Best to call ahead or email if you can.” –Christopher Robin, to living life (semi)normally again.’ He and Allyson will be home Zen Baby ‘unschooling’ Veronica, who is now four. It’s great to hear from him REGENERATION, 155 Harvard Ave., Allston MA 02134: “Flyrabbit, a again.” –Ashabot gift shop in Boston that sold zines, is closed. Fortunately, a new store, For more news about Cullen, visit http://www.ashabot.com/cullen. Regeneration, will be selling zines in the same location.” –Jef Taylor, htm. Send your zines and letters to: Cullen Carter, c/o Mequon Urban Nature Walk Healthcare Center, Room 134, 10911 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon WI 53092-5008. SIXTH STREET CAFÉ 144 6th St., San Francisco CA 94103, sixthstr [email protected], 415-626-8969: “The Sixth Street Café needs “I’m letting you know that I ordered Stinky Grrl #4 from the review support! They have zines, books, magazines, and free Internet access, in Zine World #19 (or #20?), but never got the Stinky Grrl. The address as well as cheap food & drink. History, politics, people’s struggles, was 2926 Columbus Ave. S., Minneapolis MN 55407. I originally some books as low as $10, plus a lending library. They accept zine and ordered it in Feb. 2004, then sent a follow-up letter on April 4. Now it’s used book donations.” May 1 and still no Stinky Grrl. I’ve officially given up. At least all I’m out is a couple issues of my Brain Food comic, which I sent her in trade. TOWER RECORDS 2609C Del Monte St., West Sacramento CA 95691, Thanks for letting me share.” –Mike Toft, Brain Food

{53} UPDATE: “She did eventually send me a couple of issues, but it her arms. took her about six months.” –Mike “I hope that you are mature enough and realize that I am only ALSO: “Just wanted to let you know that I never got a copy of One doing research and not offended by this letter. If you could provide of Us, a comic book that got reviewed in a recent issue of ZW. I mailed some possible leads so I could gather information, I would greatly Alex Colvin $1 in July and sent a follow-up letter in September. It’s appreciate it. “ –Douglas S. Dahl #4424482, 82911 Beach Access Rd., now Nov. 20 and I’ve officially given up.” –Mike Umatilla OR 97882-9419 Not long after, we received another letter – from Shannon Colebank. We received a returned postcard recently we had sent to Brian In this letter (printed in our letters section) Shannon disavows Johnson, publisher of zines Severe Sinema, Funhouse, and Sur Del association with Douglas. Shannon warns that he doubts Douglas is a Horror De La Frontera. The postcard was marked “Deceased.” feminist, that he has been soliciting photos of unshaved women quite Hobnail Review has ceased publishing. We received this note possibly for masturbation material, and that two female zinesters have from the folks at Hobnail Press: “This is due entirely to circumstances told Shannon that Douglas has sent them “creepy letters.” beyond our control. Humblest apologies for any inconvenience or We believe Shannon. If you receive correspondence from Douglas embarrasment caused. If we owe you any money we will endeavor Dahl, we recommend proceeding with caution. Be warned. –Jerianne wholeheartedly to reimburse you over the course of time, but can’t Order a zine months ago and never receive it? Tell us about deadbeats promise when.” Additionally, their PO Box has been closed. and zines that aren’t on the level. Denny of Supreme Nothing has created a new zine review website: www.zinelove.com. Send zines to be reviewed to: Supreme Nothing MAILING & SHIPPING Review, PO Box 211, Burton OH 44021. “I was skimming through your hard copy for ZW #21 and I found on We recently discovered this website: The Do-It-Yourself Comics p.37 what appears to be incorrect information about bulk mail. Shannon Guide, www.artbabe.com/comicsandart/diy/diy_make.html. It’s a very writes that the permit costs $350 and you must mail more than 1,000 detailed primer on making mini-comics, from the drawing process, to every month. For a standard bulk mail permit (not a periodical permit, needed materials, to layout and reproduction. used to be called 2nd class permit), the rates and rules are: $150 to buy the permit plus annual fee of $150 (I just confirmed this with our “The folks at Clamor Magazine are hard at work reading through the regular bulk mail supervisor), meaning an initial outlay of $300; then nominations for the 9th volume of the Zine Yearbook, but we’re missing $150/year after the first year; and more importantly, you can then bulk your favorite zines! Each year we compile a book featuring more than mail whenever you want, as long as you have a minimum of 200 pieces 50 excerpts from zines that take the underground press above-ground or 50 lbs of mail (all pieces have to be identical).” –Shirley, Marrakech for just a second – long enough to share and celebrate the brilliance of Express independently created art and media from the zine world. To nominate your favorite zine from 2004, send the actual zine or a photocopy (with “I am concerned about Media Mail, and now it seems you are your favorite parts marked) to: Clamor/Zine Yearbook, PO Box 20128, unsure if zines qualify. I haven’t had any mail sent back, but the idiots Toledo OH 43610. For more info, email [email protected] at the Burlingame PO tried to tell me Media Mail is measured by or visit clamormagazine.org/yearbook.” ‘thickness, not weight,’ and other than that the other clerks don’t even know what it is. So I use the mail slot instead of the clerk. The Santa PRISONER WARNING! Cruz PO argues with me frequently about it, so I make sure not to say Zinesters, take note: We have reason to believe that prisoner ‘zines’ but ‘pamphlets that contain no advertising,’ and they are pretty Douglas S. Dahl, who has been contacting female zine publishers, is not nice when you put it that way.” –Christopher Robin, Zen Baby on the level. We recently received this letter from prisoner Douglas: “I am sorry you were not able to use the $4 check that I sent to you. I am in prison and we have very limited means of paying – cash/stamps PRINTING is not an option. ... “Hey, it’s Shay from CRASH. I’ve got 2 pretty decent printers “I was interested in obtaining your resource material because to tell you about. The first one is Print-Mor, it’s in NYC, they’ve ... I am very concerned about the obsession of American women and got a really good rate, and if you order over 250 copies of your zine, body hair removal, be it shaving, laser, electrolysis or other method – they staple and fold FOR FREE. For 250 copies of my 20 page zine Americans seem to have become completely obsessed with the removal EXPLOSIVE SHARPIE, they only charged $75. For CRASH, I’m using of body hair. I find this to be very disturbing. In my communications BN Printing now. They have a 3000 copy minimum, and they print with Shannon Colebank of Whizzbanger Productions in Portland, Ore. on newsprint, but for 3000 copies of a 40 page zine (full sized) they – Shannon feels the same as I do. Shannon feels it is American males charged $461, and $524 is the rate they quoted me for spot color. You wanting women to appear “child-like” and hairless to obtain power can contact Print-Mor at 212-777-7624 and ask for Victor, he’s a really over them. Men are not scared of children and when women become nice guy, and he doesn’t care how many questions you ask, as long as hairless they also become child-like and less threatening to men. I you are nice to him. For BN Printing call 919-894-4170 and ask for was hoping to use your resource material to contact women who are Colin Davis. You can see the website at www.bnprinting.com. I also natural, unshaven to obtain their viewpoints, thoughts, feelings about just found out that Print-Mor will do your flyers: 5000 1/2-sized flyers this subject. I pity the woman who is born hirsute in this environment for $37.50 (I just had a baby so I’m being a bit lazy, but it’s a pretty who feels like some sort of “freak” because she has abundant body hair. good deal, since he cuts them and everything). Happy Days.” –Shay, The Americans seem freaked out should any hair escape the confines [email protected] of a swimsuit and heaven forbid that a woman doesn’t shave under

{54} “Regarding Zine self-publishing on demand online: I’ve started to • Baby Bloc – Laurel Dykstra & Bruce Triggs, 449 E. offer the annual anthology (we’re on the third year) online this time. 8th St., Vancouver BC V7L 1Z4, Canada It’s on a PayPal button with Angelfire’s code for it. I expect it to work, • Big Pinch World – Randy Osborne, PO Box 1912, right? I have a PayPal account and used the email that I registered Mill Valley CA 94942 with that for the send-to email. Anyone done that kind of thing before? • The Blind Man’s Rainbow – Melody Sherosky, PO Investigate my setup if you will. http://www.geocities.com/drama_ Box 18219, Denver CO 80218-0218 art_writing_maliger/Midnight_Dance” –Donald “Maliger” Anderson, • Book of Letters – Rich Mackin, PO Box 14642, [email protected] or onelinemusic@hotmail. Portland OR 97293-0642 com • Both Sides Now – http://bothsidesnow.info A • Brooklyn / Watch the Closing Doors – Fred Argoff, MISCELLANEA 1800 Ocean Pkwy #F-10, Brooklyn NY 11223-3037 “Here’s a tip for zine publishers who decide to ask businesses if • Cassidy Wheeler – #14282456, O.S.P.-I.M.U., 2605 they want to advertise in their zine to support it: catch the businesses D State St., Salem OR 97310 at the beginning of the year or else they have already spent their • Coldhandsdeadheart – Mike Twohig, 72-1 allotted amount for advertising already.” –Donald “Maliger” Anderson, Meadowfarm South, N. Chili NY 14514 [email protected] D • Cultor-Sore – Parcell Press, Taylor Ball, 1224 Parcell St., Fredericksburg VA 22401 “I’m a writer and zine maker and I’m starting a new project • C/S Distro – www.csdistro.com that I think will be of real interest to my fellow zinesters, writers, R • Cutlass – Janixce Flux, PO Box 170366, San mail artists, and whoever else: an old-fashioned, non-email pen pal Francisco CA 94114 exchange. The other day my mom, who does a lot of crafts, told me that • Dagger – Tim Hinely, PO Box 820102, Portland OR she was thinking of writing to one of the people who’d posted an ad for E 97282-1102 a pen pal in her crafting magazine. I haven’t heard of anyone having a • The Darling Factory – Alison Tharp, 3228 Adeline pen pal since childhood. We all have some online friends who we email St. #2, Berkeley CA 94703 regularly, but it would be so much fun to write – and get – proper S • Day of Reckoning – Dave, 1460 Jackson Ave., old-fashioned letters. And since I haven’t seen such an exchange in Memphis TN 38107 the magazines I read, I’m starting one. Anyone who’d like a pen pal, • Decades of Confusion Feed the Insect – Justin send me your name, mailing address, and a little description of your S Duerr, 705 S. Schell St., Philadelphia PA 19147 interests and whatever else you think is important to tell people about • Denver Zine Library, PO Box 13826, Denver CO yourself. Everyone who gives up their goods will receive the master 80201, www.denverzinelibrary.org list of pen pals to choose from (once I’ve compiled it). No outside people • The East Hawaii Observer – PO Box 10247, Hilo HI will ever have access to this list. It’s just good fun for practically 96721 free and a nice way to make friends. If you’re interested email me: • Entropy Magazine – 200 N. Santa Rosa St. #710C, San Luis Obispo CA 93405 [email protected]. I’ll keep you updated on my progress C • Fever Pitch Magazine & Music – 434 N. Main St., before I send out the master list. And if anyone has any suggestions or Suite A, Oshkosh WI 54901, [email protected] ideas, feel free to share!” –Katie, [email protected] • The FIB – Jimi Sharp, 500 Eastside St. NW #15, “My name is Ryan Rogers. I run a non-profit organization out of H Olympia WA 98506-4003 Salem, Ore., called ‘Freaks N Geeks.’ Anyhow, we publish a little zine, • The Finding Datura Report – Rob Monroe, PO Box and are expanding our operation a bit. We are developing, at Willamette 15, Mishawaka IN 46546 University, a ‘zine program,’ which will not only include tutorials and A • A Gadfly’s Journal – PO Box 1108, Buckeye AZ classes on how to put together zines and other independent publishing 85326 projects, but also a zine library. Zines that you would be willing to • Gemini / Black Cat Zodiac – Sydney Vicious, 1875 contribute would be studied, read, shared, and truly enjoyed! We’ll N Stevenson Ave., Clearwater FL 33755 take any zines whatsoever, and would love your submissions. If you • Goblinko – Sean & Katie Aaberg, PO Box 12044, Eugene OR 97440 would be willing and/or interested in contributing your zines to our project, please e-mail me at [email protected]. On a further G • Gokart-Mozart – 5717 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Apt. 317, North Hollywood CA 91607 note, we are considering trying to do some kind of online archiving as • Gulk – Tim Hoffman, 314 Spring St. #17, Portland well. The parameters of this as a possibility are still somewhat sketchy ME 04102 to us, so it may not work out, but if you think you would be willing to E • Heartattack City – Jessica Manack, PO Box 10203, allow your zines to be .pdf filed and available online, please let us know Pittsburgh PA 15232 that. We would not and never will do this without express and direct • Here – Neil deMause, PO Box 300743, Midwood permission.” –Ryan Rogers S Station, Brooklyn NY 11203 “The Zine Recycling Center (ZRC) is a unique kind of zine distributor • Het Moet Onverstaanbaar – [email protected] that relies not on the exchange of money, but on the exchange of ideas. • Hot Iron Press – Kyle Bravo, 1420 Kentucky St., This is a zine-trading distributor. Zinesters can trade issues of their New Orleans LA 70117 zine for the works of other trade-hungry zine makers while zine • Ideas in Pictures – Colin, PO Box 510214, readers can trade in old zines for new ones. Welcome to the ZRC, where Milwaukee WI 53203 the grab-bag is god. • JT Bunnell – PO Box 325, Rosendale NY 12472

{55} “TRADING YOUR OLD ZINES: If you’re a zine fan, chances are Freespace Community Center, 16 E. 8th St., Huntington Station you’ve got a bunch of zines lying around that you don’t read anymore. NY 11746; 516-616-3151; [email protected]; www.lifreespace.org; Now you can turn those old zines for different ones. All you have to do send donations to: Phil Schappert, 156, Sound Rd., Wading River NY is send in your used zines and wait to get your exchange package. 11792 – “Long Island Freespace is a center that provides resources, “ORDERING GRAB-BAGS: If you don’t have any zines to trade in, space, and technical assistance to young artists and activists. It is a just order a grab-bag. There is no fixed price for grab-bags. Just send nonprofit organization comprised entirely of young people, which seeks payment via PayPal ([email protected]) or mail well-concealed to facilitate the growth of art, music, and a progressive positive youth cash to the address below. Pay as much as you’d like. The money you culture. We are attempting to create a zine/book library, which we send will go towards the ZRC’s postage fund and ordering new zines if hope to stock with progressive literature and writings that are out of ever the inventory gets too skinny. the mainstream; we are in dire need of books especially. In addition, “DONATING TO THE ZRC: The Zine Recycling Center is we are looking to create an independent publishing resource center.” completely non-profit. If you’re ever in the mood to help us out, feel free to donate zines (i.e. no trade in return) or send money/stamps to help Mad Hatters IMC, 241 Main St., Suite 3, Danbury CT 06810 – with all the postage costs. Whenever you are donating, please include “The Mad Hatters Independent Media Center is trying to build up a a note that says so or else we will assume that money is grab-bags and zine library. Seeking donations.” zines are for trade.” –Abby Street, Zine Recycling Center, 22543 James River Drive, Carrolton VA 23314, http://www.findingdatura.com/zrc/ Massachusetts Winchester High School Zine Library – new address index.html, [email protected]. (for donations): WHS Library, attn: Zine Collection, 80 Skillings Rd., Have you had unusual experiences lately dealing with the Post Office or other Winchester MA 01890. shippers? Have comments you can share about do-it-yourself printing, including Pacific NW College of Art, attn: Zine Collection, 1241 NW Johnson suggestions about equipment and supplies? Let us know. Street, Portland OR 97209 – “The Pacific NW College of Art is starting a zine collection in the school library! I’ll be sort of taking charge of it ZINE LIBRARIES & INFOSHOPS while I’m a student there, and I’m trying to obtain zines, which will all Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh become part of this permanent collection. Any format, style, genre, etc., PA 15213; 412-622-3114; www.clpgh.org; mail donations to: Ziggy is welcome. I would really love to have mini-comics in the collection as Cyanide, House of the Rising Moon, 207 E Meyers St., Pittsburgh PA well. I’ll be working on a website for the zine collection, which will be 15210 – “Hey all. I work at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh and linked from the PNCA library website soon. If anyone has any ideas or we’re organizing a zine library in our teen section. I have a handful of suggestions, please contact [email protected].” my own zines as well as some items from my distro to contribute, and I’m posting a general call for donations here. As far as I can tell, the Sechiisland International Library, c/o Sechi, Av. M29 No. 2183 only restrictions are the usual: we won’t accept anything racist, sexist, - Jd. Sao Joao, Rio Claro SP 13505-410, Brazil – “I am looking for homophobic, etc. If you have any questions or suggestions, email books, magazines, art catalogues, zines, artist’s books, experimental [email protected].” publications, videos, CDs, CD-ROMs, and texts (about contemporary art, mail art, or visual poetry).” The Catalyst Infoshop, 109A. N. McCormick St., Prescott AZ 86301; 928-443-8525; [email protected]. “The Catalyst Infoshop Solidarity Revolutionary Center and Radical Library, 1119 in Prescott AZ is just getting started. The Catalyst is a resource base Massachusetts St., Lawrence KS 66044 – new address, looking for for activists and an alternative information center for Prescott. We donations and volunteers. have a growing bookstore/bookrent, zine library, and selection of radical magazines and free literature. We have materials for actions, The Women’s Library, attn: Beverley Kemp, Old Castle Street, space for meetings, free-food kitchen for volunteers and file-space for London E1 7NT, UK, www.thewomenslibrary.ac.uk –“The Women’s activist groups. We also have free internet access. Other interests in- Library is collecting zines that reflect women’s lives, interests, and the-works: Ride share board, free school calendar, space for speakers concerns in the UK today. If you would like your zine to be part of our and large events etc.” collection, please forward one copy with details of the place and date of publication.” Cherry Bomb Comics, 41 New North Road, Eden Terrace, “We are starting a zine library/archive/infoshop in Barcelona. We Auckland, New Zealand; (09)374-4504; www.cherrybombcomics.co.nz are looking for all types of zines in all languages. We are particularly – “We are a shop in New Zealand. We stock mainly comics, graphic interested in DIY, feminist, queer and personal zines but looking for novels, and zines by women from around the world, but we also have contributions from all areas. If you would like to get a hold let me know locally made art, clothes and accessories. We have a free reading or just post zines to: Katie & Jason, Santa Otilia, 41, 08032 Barcelona, library which is stocked with zines, comics, picturebooks and feminist Spain.” texts, and our shop is used for various feminist-related activities, like activist meetings. ” –Melissa Steiner, [email protected] “A group of students and myself are trying to establish a library for disadvantaged youth (ages 16-24) at our local Job Corps. If anyone Denver Zine Library – new contact info: PO Box 13826, Denver has any extra books, zines, arts & crafts material, and/or bookmarks CO 80201; drop-in: 1644 Platte St.; [email protected]; www. (other stuff odds & ends will be accepted), feel free to send them to the denverzinelibrary.org. address below. You may do a search for Job Corps to learn more, or you The Edmonton Small Press Association is not currently offering are more than welcome to contact me personally. Address: N. Johnson drop-in access to their zine library; meetings are usually held the third (Sierra), 3100 Meadowview Rd., Sacramento CA 95832.” Wednesday of every month – call one week in advance to confirm, 780- 434-9236. “Got a letter from a prisoner in Indiana who’s creating the first

{56} prisoner-created free zine-lending library I’ve ever heard of. I encourage undergroundpublishing.org/events.html. you to support his DIY spirit of resistance and free-thinking. Send The Boston Zine Fair will be held March 19 and 20, location TBA. your zines (free, of course) to: John Smallwood, #04399-010, PO Box Themed Speak For Yourself, the Zine Fair will include tabling, a spoken 33, Terra Haute IN 47808.” –Reb, Fanorama Society word show, potluck meals, hands-on workshops, and discussion panels. “We are a group of anarchist activists from Craiova, Romania, Planned workshops include: zine basics and etiquette for beginners, and we will open an infoshop in short time. There’s gonna be a library blockprinting, and Storming the Ivory Tower: a start-up guide to and infoshop, and we will also use it for meetings, workshop, video independent publishing. Attendance is free; tables cost $5 or $10. For projections... What we need from you, if you can support our projects: more information or to register for a table, email bostonzinefair@yahoo. zines, books, video tapes, audio items, and everything printed on xerox com, visit www.bostonzinefair.org with/for anarcho purposes. Also contacts, distros, individuals who can spread the word about our project or make donations to us. You can contact us at: Popescu Adi, Aleea Teatrului, BL. T2 Apt. 21, Craiova, ADDRESS CHANGES, CONT. Dolj, COD 1100, Romania, or [email protected].” • The Judas Goat Quarterly – Grant Schreiber, 4422 N. Racine Ave. “The goal of the New Jersey Infoshop Project is to establish an #3S, Chicago IL 60640 alternative space in New Jersey where books, videos, and materials • Kelly Froh, #101-1001 W. Broadway, Box 450, Vancouver BC V6H focusing on working class struggle, anarchism, poverty, racism, sexism, 4E4, Canada social justice, war, ecology, and the like could be kept readily accessible • King-Cat Comics & Stories – John Porcellino, PO Box 170535, San Francisco CA 94117 to the public. The project is right now gathering funds to acquire a space. To help out, email [email protected].” • Kubba Zine / The Midwest Compilation Project / Bottles on the Sill Lending Library and Distro – Jessica, 2705 Great Forest Dr., West We have received a report of mail returned from: Ratbag Mobile Bend WI 53090-0107 Infoshop, Box 126, Cygnet 7112, Tasmania. • Life in the Bike Lane / S.C.A.L.P. – Dan W., PO Box 2164, Tempe AZ 85280 • Lime – Ariana Klassen-Glanzer, 6066 Shingle Creek Pkwy. #148, UPCOMING EVENTS Brooklyn Center MN 55430-2316 The Streeteaters Artist Market now takes place the last Sunday of • Media Whore – Randie Farmelant, “address in transition, email the month from 6-8 p.m. at Pharmacie Esperanza in Montreal. Zines, instead,” [email protected] poerty chapbooks, prints, hand-crafted works, plus artist trading card • Monday Night – Sharon McGill, 1020 Walnut St., State College exchange. Free admission! Info: [email protected]. PA 16801 The Zine Archives and Publishing Project at Richard Hugo House in • Moxie Distro – Britt, 1415 Fulton St., Nashville TN 37206 Seattle hosts “ZAPP Underground,” a series of informal get-togethers • The New Scheme – Stuart Anderson, PO Box 7542, Boulder CO 80306-7542 for discussion of zines, self-publishing, more; held twice a month. Bring your work to share! 6 p.m. Free. Visit www.hugohouse.org/programs/ • Orange & Blue / Ingleside News – IsaBelle Bourret, 5591 St- Laurent, L 3V6, Canada QC G6V, [email protected], www. zine.html, email [email protected], or call 206-322-7030 for more geocities.com/orangeblue_zine info. Richard Hugo House is at 1634 Eleventh Ave. in Seattle. • Punk Planet – 4229 N. Honore, Chicago IL 60613 The Anarchist Distributors’ Kiosk takes place every few months in • Randall Fleming, Metropolis Hopper Books – PO Box 625, New Montreal to help with the distribution of anarchist books, newspapers, York NY 10276-0625 brochures and zines. Info: [email protected]. • Ride On – Jim, 2112 Rose Ave., Richmond VA 23222 • Slouch – 733 Baker St., San Francisco CA 94115 The Perpetual Motion Roadshow is an indie press touring circuit. Each • Snackbar Confidential – Williard Dribbleman, PO Box 1359, month, indie performers, writers, and artists load up and hit multiple Huntington NY 11743 cities on a weeklong tour. Through April, the tour will be hitting towns • Squid Works – PO Box 480463, Denver CO 80248-0463 on the West coast of Canada and the US, with a new line-up each • St. Cosmo, I Come to Adore You – Jacob Snodgrass, month. All shows are pay-what-you-can. To learn about upcoming tour [email protected] dates and locations visit nomediakings.net, email jim@nomediakings. • Ted Mangano – PO Box 1291, Hilo HI 96721 org, or write to Jim Munroe, 10 Trellanock Ave., Toronto ON M1C 5B5, • Thermidor – Kate Amok, 4229 Regent Sq., Philadelphia PA 19104 Canada. • The Urban Hermitt – PO Box 460142, San Francisco CA 94146 This year’s Alternative Press Expo and WonderCon are switching • The Urban Pantheist / Urban Nature Walk – Jef Taylor, 423 dates – WonderCon will be held Feb. 18-20 at the Moscone Center in Brookline Ave. #271, Boston MA 02215, [email protected] San Francisco; APE will be held April 9 and 10 at the Concourse in San • Women’s Self Defense – Ariel, PO Box 2433, Champaign IL 61825 Francisco. For more information, visit www.comic-con.org/. • Wonderella Printed – Clint Marsh, PO Box 10145, Berkeley CA 94709 A Nashville Zine Fair will be held March 11, location TBA. Tables, networking, and information discussions; free admission. Preceding • Wred Fright – PO Box 20541, Cleveland OH 44120 the event on March 9 will be a performance by John Sinclair and • Zook and Max Ain’t What They Used To Be – Timothy Charles Kelly, 946 N. Indiana Ave., Lindenhurst NY 11757 other poets, and on March 10 a “Folk the War” concert. For more nd information, email [email protected] or visit www. • Zuzu and the Baby Catcher – Rhonda Baker, 2000 NE 42 Ave. #183, Portland OR 97213

{57} The Minnesota Center for Book Arts is looking for artwork to include The 7th annual Allied Media Conference has been scheduled for June in its exhibition “Spot On: The Art of Zines and Graphic Novels.” 17-19. As usual, it will be held in Bowling Green, Ohio. The AMC Whether its text, layout, imagery, pages, cover art, posters, or whole focuses on sharing skills, building alternatives to corporate media, and publications, the MCBA is interested in featuring your work. Send using media for positive social change. In addition to hands-on, DIY submissions, with SASE for their return, to MCBA, attn: Spot On, workshops, the conference includes film screenings, artist presentations, 1011 Washington Ave., Minneapolis MN 55415. Deadline: March 19. and a large exhibition hall to share our work. For more information All submissions must include the artist’s name, address, and phone visit clamormagazine.org/amc/, email [email protected], or number on the back or on some portion of the work. As part of Spot write to Become the Media, PO Box 20128, Toledo OH 43610. On, MCBA will host a zine and graphic novel trade fair on June 11 and Zine-A-Polooza, a zine and small press convention, will be held 10 12. Table prices start at $25. To register call 612-215-2526. For more a.m. - 6 p.m., July 31 at Venture Mall in Duluth, Ga. The event will information, visit www.mnbookarts.org. include workshops on zines, panel discussions, a DIY film screening, The San Francisco Anarchist Bookfair will be held at Golden Gate Hall guest artists, writers, and filmmakers. Tables cost $25; admittance of Flowers (9th Ave. & Lincoln Way) from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on March 26. will be $5. For more information, email [email protected] or Speakers, activist groups, zines, books, pamphlets, lectures, t-shirts, visit www.zine-a-polooza.info. and more. The Portland Zine Symposium will be held August 5-7. The motto for The Independent Arts Festival will be held April 16. Since 1988 this this fifth annual Portland, Ore., event will be Celebrating Creating. international arts festival has highlighted all forms of creativity. The three-day conference and zine social explores facets of underground The aim of the festival is to both present an overview of independent publishing and DIY culture, including workshops, activities, tables, creativity worldwide, performed by communication network, and to and more! For more information, visit www.pdxzines.com, or write to create a meeting place for exchange. The festival mainly focuses scenes Microcosm Publishing, 5307 N. Minnesota Ave., Portland OR 97217- such as home-tape, mail art, street art, and small press. For more 4551. information, including details on submitting your work to the festival, A World Beyond Capitalism Conference will be held August 26-28, in visit www.sztuka-fabryka.be/festival/index.htm, email art@sztuka- Portland, Ore. This multi-lingual, multi-racial conference will create fabryka.be, or write Sztuka Fabryka - c/o De Decker Geert - Kerkstraat alliances in a manner that transcends the boundaries of the English 290 - 9140 Tielrode - Belgium. language, race, class, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation and The Manga Art and Graphic Novel Expo for Teens will happen on April endless theory. Volunteers of all backgrounds worldwide, including 30 in Fremont, Ca. We’ll have a zine section – want yours on display? work-from-home volunteers, bilingual volunteers, or zine creators, are (G to PG-13 content only.) Admission will be $9. Fundraiser sponsored greatly needed. Through love, solidarity and international outreach the by City of Fremont Parks & Recreation. Contact [email protected]. unreachable is achievable... A World Beyond Capitalism! Visit www. ca.us for more information. awbc.lfhniivaaaa.info. To join our email list and volunteer bulletin board email [email protected]. Montreal’s 6th annual Anarchist Bookfair will be held 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. May 21 at 2515 rue Delisle (near Lionel-Groulx Metro). Described as Got the lowdown on an upcoming event? Give us the info and we’ll the largest anarchist event in North America, the Bookfair will feature share it here. Listings are free. Check www.undergroundpress.org/ books, pamphlets, and zines; discussions, readings, and debates; events.html for more event listings. poetry, film and art; workshops, lectures, and panels; and more! It will be followed by a full day of anarchist presentations and workshops. RECENT EVENTS For more information email [email protected] or visit “The first Providence (RI) Zine Fest was April 24. It was really anarchistbookfair.taktic.org. fun, and surprisingly well run! I hope they organize more soon.” –Jef Taylor, Urban Nature Walk “On Saturday, July 10, 2004, a nice crowd gathered in downtown Los Angeles to browse zines at the annual Los Angeles Zine Fiesta. About thirty independent zine and comic publishers had tables brimming over with zines, comics, art, records, and crafts. Organizers Jay and Cherry had secured the Arts in Action space, a collectively run arts space in Don’t just take our word for it! a primarily Salvadorean neighborhood. Close to public transportation, There are plenty of other publications out there that review zines. the building itself was pretty convenient, even if the location on the In Zine World #23, we’ll print our list of known review zines. fourth floor didn’t facilitate much random walk-through traffic. Still, If you know one that isn’t included on our list (see our website: it seemed like advertising through word-of-mouth had worked pretty www.undergroundpress.org/review.html or ZW #19) or one on well, and quite a crowd of people filtered through the space throughout the day. There was a substantial contingent of SF Bay Area folks who our list that is no longer publishing, please drop us a line at PO Box came down for the event, as well as many publishers and artists from 330156, Murfreesboro TN 37133-0156 or wordofmouth@ the greater San Diego and Los Angeles areas. The Zine Fiesta was a undergroundpress.org. good example of what a zine fest can be—an enjoyable gathering of local and regional zine publishers.” –artnoose

{58} Indie Way You Want It: dangerous as a stuffy nose. Emerson Dameron Takes In AMC 2004 I get more entertainment from Jeff Potter of the Underground The Lenhard Grand Ballroom, in Bowling Green University’s Literary Alliance, the neo-psychedelicists of Love Bunni Press and Get Bowen-Thompson Student Union, is the size of a small gymnasium. In My Mouth Stuff’s line of useful knick-knacks. Generally, the more But if you tossed a basketball in a three-point arc, it would likely hit esoteric these people’s “causes,” the more I enjoy rapping with them. the ceiling. This is the Allied Media Conference’s nerve center. From If you’re going to station yourself left of the mainstream, you’d damn Friday, June 18, through Sunday, June 20, small publishers gather well better have fun or you’re going to get bitter and alienate everyone here to hawk their wares and gladhand their contemporaries. around you. That AK-47 on your t-shirt won’t save you from burnout. Left-leaning, collectivist Clamor Magazine co-sponsors this annual Herr Ashcroft, in fact, has no obvious moles at the conference, but independent media brouhaha. Its ardent political undercurrent is old-timey Political Correctness is out in full force. It’s hard to take no election year fluke. AMC manifests Clamor’s motto, “become the much pride in a “community” without scapegoating a perceived “other.” media.” It’s a weekend of sharing and back-patting for those who, like And Fox News doesn’t pick up all of the slack. Lisa Simpson in the “Red Dress Press” episode, dig their own canals to Near my seat, my buddy Alicia Dorr peddles her zine Random Life subvert the homogenous, big-money mainstream flow of information. In Progress, which kicks off with a series of anecdotes from her job Zine publishers, webloggers, record labels, book distributors and entitled “Why Middle Eastern People Are As Crazy As The Rest Of “community” broadcasters (with or without parrots and eyepatches) Us.” One young lady ambles up, thumbs through RLIP, points to that all represent. I see people of all ages, ethnicities and dress codes – I feature, drops the zine and storms off, aggressively proclaiming her wonder how Christoph Meyer distributes his public journal 28 Pages offense. This crushes Alicia for the next few hours. Lovingly Bound With Twine while simultaneously looking after his No matter how diverse their interests, people’s thoughts gravitate child – but I can’t spot a soul who I’d wager is voting Bush. Indeed, toward the lowest common denominator wherever two or more of them the post-9/11 hostility to dissent – to say nothing of Vietnam II in the gather. Middle East – has galvanized these characters like no time since the Kate and Aaron don’t fare much better with I, Objector, their anti- Reagan Administration. Were I not so fond of unfettered expression, voting screed. They literally can’t give the thing away. People pick it abortion rights, employment and what-not, it might be enough to make up, confront its subject matter, and recoil in horror. These people just me wish the silver spoon cowboy would score another term. despise Bush. It isn’t enough to deny W your support; if you refuse to It’s too bad this thing has to go down in Bowling Green, Ohio. BGU pull the donkey lever, that’s equally despicable. Even at a small-press may boast one of the nation’s only full-blown American Culture Studies convention, where prisoners’ rights activists compete for attention with programs, but it’s also cursed with one of the ugliest campuses known guys in rabbit suits, I, Objector qualifies as heresy. When Kate hits to humanity. Flat and devoid of intrigue or character, it resembles a the ladies room, she overhears a young radical complain, with sincerity cross between a Nebraskan technical school and a Chicago housing and sadness in her throat, that “my anarchist side just isn’t getting project. Nevertheless, Bowling Green hosts a plethora of camps and along with my syndicalist side.” Yeah, that could be a problem. conferences, including several on tap this weekend. Upon arrival, my At 6:00 p.m., Ian MacKaye (formerly of the seminal hardcore unit friends Kate Sandler and Aaron Cynic (the Diatribe Media braintrust) Minor Threat and the swinging experiment factory Fugazi) performs stumble upon a parade from Cheerleading Camp. A promenade of as half of The Evens, a polite (if politically charged) indie-pop operation spry lasses in short-shorts marches past, chanting Sir Mix-A-Lot’s ’92 that wouldn’t sound out of place at a Merge Records showcase. Most of hit “Baby Got Back.” As my friends pass, the gals hit the “me, me so the audience sits Indian-style on the unforgiving carpet as MacKaye horny” sample. leads them in an off-key whistling chorus. Mark Hosler whispers “too Keynote speaker Mark Hosler, of Negativland notoriety, steps up loud” and leaves. at 7:00 p.m., presenting a choppy collection of music videos. His words Despite his prickly musical persona, MacKaye plays the host well, are far more interesting. He rehashes his collage-rock outfit’s turbulent fending off the inevitable heckling like a Borscht Belt pro. As I shake history (it associated itself with a multiple homicide as an excuse for his paw after the set, I tell him that “I knew someone would request canceling a tour, then attracted the expensive wrath of Island Records [the Fugazi anthem] ‘Waiting Room,’ but I had no idea you’d take all and Casey Kasem with a jaw-dropping U2 parody), then explains his the fun out of it for him.” “Well, that’s what I do,” MacKaye replies. “I compulsion to break down the 24-hour media feed, reassemble it in a take the fun out of things.” funny way, and pitch it back into the ether. By the time one listener For Saturday’s capper, attendees congregate at Howard’s Club asks Hosler how he thinks Negativland’s martial dirge “Christianity Is for a quadruple-bill rock show, interspersed with zine readings. The Stupid” would play in a Muslim country, I’m off. talkers are proffered by Zine Guide publisher Brent Ritzel, and all hail Thankfully, the city does offer actual bowling. Framed as a meet- from Chicago. Even your reporter takes the mic. and-greet, the Friday night “Strikes Everywhere!” party at Varsity Reading between bands is usually death itself, but my childhood Lanes actually serves as an opportunity to bowl against people they religious experience garners some chuckles, at least near the stage. already know, get sauced among people they already know, and make My colleague Brandon Weatherbee has ‘em rolling with his deadpan catty remarks about people they don’t already know. But, man, is it a tribute to troubled crooner R. Kelly. We get a rare opportunity to blast. I don’t often go bowling with people who suck at it more than I. hear Living Proof publisher Andrew Mall rant, and he rants well. On Saturday, AMC breaks down into panels, running concurrently Finally, frustrated by the icy reception I, Objector received in the in different parts of the building. I wish I could drop in on more of these ballroom, Aaron and Kate elect to force it down the showgoers’ throats. – “Lose the News Blues,” “Creative Fundraising” and “Stencil Pirates In this setting, Kate gets a standing O and a private audience with Go!” all pique my interest – but I’m busy watching the Diatribe Media MacKaye. table and investigating my fellow micromedia insurgents. I imagine Perhaps these people aren’t as hypocritically narrow as I’d thought. I’m a double-agent, discerning which attendees pose a serious threat Or maybe it’s the cheap beer clapping. –Emerson Dameron to the established order. Unless pretension itself can change minds Have you been to a recent zine-related event? Tell us how it went, and smash gates, most of the circle-A Anarchists are out. They’re as what you got out of it, and any suggestions you have for event organizers. {59} Classifieds are absolutely free for any do-it-yourself or out-of-the-mainstream connected – which includes some of our readers. project. Send us up to 50 words describing what you’re up to, and we’ll print your listing for free. Limit one listing per project, please. Free listings for subscribers are repeated in every issue for as long as your subscription runs (and of course, you may change your listing at any time). We reserve the right to edit or refuse any listing that sounds illegal or is not Free listings for non-subscribers must be re-submitted for each issue. The in keeping with the general spirit of underground camaraderie. Publication of bracketed number after each listing indicates the last issue in which the ad will a listing does not denote an endorsement. We expect you to use your own appear. If it says [22], get in touch now. judgement in responding. 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CONNECTIONS: 2004. Trevor Blake, PO Box 2321, [28] *paid for extra words WRITERS - ARTISTS Portland OR 97208-2321, www. ovo127.com. [22] LIFE ON A POSTCARD: If your PUBLISHERS life were to be condensed, reduced WANTED CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: The to its essence, concentrated, then ALTERNATIVE MENTAL Whirligig seeks excellent short written on a postcard, if the HEALTH JOURNAL! Are fiction and poetry. Submit to only way to achieve immortality you a mental health survivor, [email protected] or via were to store yourself on a consumer, worker, or ally who snail mail to 4809 Ave. N #117, postcard... What would it say? questions the dominant paradigm Brooklyn NY 11234. Submission Seeking submissions. Email of MH treatment? Do you have guidelines: www.thewhirligig. [email protected] for address/ BUY THIS BOOK: From the com. [23] info. [22] depths of America’s gulags, federal an interesting tale to tell of the prisoner and gorilla convict writer struggle to stay true to yourself in FICTION SUBMISSIONS NEED A GUARANTEED Seth M. Ferranti, Reg. #18205- spite of the system? Send to: Word WANTED for The Best REVIEW for your music, art, 083, brings you... Prison Stories. Salad, PO Box 66861, Portland Underground Fiction Contest! writing, website, or any other A look into the belly of the beast. OR 97290-6861. [22] Visit www.stolentimepublishing. art or media project? Musea Order Prison Stories today. Go to BIG BROTHER GOT YOU com for details. Be published with guarantees it for a processing fee gorillaconvict.com for details. [22] DOWN? Looking for a place to the likes of John McNally, Joe of $3. One mailing = one review. send your (no longer than 1 page) Meno, Anthony Doerr, Elizabeth No ads or sponsors – just fair, CHAPBOOKS BY MARIE Crane, and more! 5000 words or tough reviews. For rules, samples, KAZALIA: Blue Language rants, poems, stories? SSI misfits, prisoners, queers, & trannies less, submit manuscripts here: info contact tomhendricks474@cs. – sexual content, no apology. Stolen Time Publishing, 1658 com or write to 4000 Hawthorne 40p chapbook of poetry & prose, encouraged to submit! Sense of humor required. No whiners, N. Milwaukee Ave. Box #399, #5 Dallas 75219. [25] stenciled cover art; signed limited Chicago IL 60647-5412. [22] edition. Disgusting Similarities please! Send submission to: Zen STATIONAERY, A NEW – 40p chapbook of poetry & prose Baby, Christopher Robin, PO Box JOIN US! Female, non-violent LITERARY ZINE based out poems, stenciled cover art; signed 1611, Santa Cruz CA 95061-1611. activists, artists, musicians, of Montreal, is looking for limited edition. Big City Savvy I also review zines; be in touch! bands, photographers, journalists, submissions for upcoming issues. – 40p poetry chapbook written [24] blog & zine writers, retailers, All forms of writing (300-3000 in some great world cities: Hong CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for independent publication words fiction or non-fiction) and Kong, Tokyo, Taipei, Mexico City, our first mail art project. Theme: distributors & caring women. art (photo, drawing, comix) are Amsterdam; serigraph cover, borders. Any medium/size. Join us! No fees. Our Community extremely welcome. Questions limited edition. $8 plus $2 S&H Deadline: 31 December 2004. All Supportive B.A.N.D. of bands comments, submissions: each. Cash, check, or money order participants will receive a doc received awesome reviews from [email protected]. Keep it to Marie Kazalia, Red Hand Press, when all is said and done. Please Slug & Lettuce, Xerography Debt, alive. [22] PO Box 422344, San Francisco CA Zine Guide, & more! Reviews and send your creations to Kris & Lola, SUBMIT TO THE HUNGOVER 94142-2344, obscurandivinci@aol. Calle Obispo 4 bajo, Plasencia two (long/short) free, printable com, redhandpress.tribe.net. [22] infobooks on website: link #7 or link GOURMET! The Journal of 10600, Caceres, Spain/España. Food, Drink, Travel and Fun Adelante! [22] #7a: www.DSAME.com or www. TRITCHEON HASH: geocities.com/loveandunity2020. needs restaurant reviews, IRREVERANT SCIENCE CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS. OVO A public librarian can print it hangover cures, recipes, travel FICTION by Sue Lange, published Issue 15: Sperm. Vasectomies out for anyone who chooses not tales, flea market/thrift store by Metropolis Ink. “Lange / stem cells / artificial sperm to use the Internet. Our members stories, and more. Visit www. lampoons everybody except the / religion / science / occult / live in 42 U.S. states, territories, hungovergourmet.com or write Green Bay Packers.” Find out panspermia / fertility / sterility and Canada. All races, religions, to Dan Taylor, PO Box 5531, more at www.tritcheonhash.com. / law / acculturation / population genres, and subjects. Love + Lutherville MD 21094-5531. [22] [24] / HIV / sperm competition / etc. Feeding the Hungry + Stress-Free WIPE: LIGHT-WEIGHT Due 12:00 PST 31 December Living & Entertainment = BNB! BOOKWORK. Please send 40

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{62} [email protected] to buy independent, self-published, inclusive of postage (US$7 surface; begs to differ. Judge for yourself. a copy or do a trade. They’re $2 and small press journals, zines, US$8 air), Please make cheques Send $2 + a stamp to: artnoose, each, and I also have back orders and other publications that payable to John Light. Photon PO Box 3525, Oakland CA 94609. of #1 and #2. #1 was given a great offer avant-garde, surreal, and Press, 37 The Meadows, Berwick- [23] review in Zine World last year. abstract perceptions of reality; upon-Tweed, Northumberland, Send the $$ to Jill York, 199 King new perspectives and radical TD15 1NY, British Isles, photon. RANDOM STORIES (Inspired by St. #1, Burlington VT 05401. [22] alternatives, challenging and [email protected], http://users. Rocks Thrown by Bullies): Tales reinterpreting accepted norms cooptel.net/photon.press. 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[22] our photocopied jackboot; send Farmington CA 95230, phone printed, after much frustration – us money: $2 or trade for sample (209) 943-2449. [22] collages, brooding, creepy dreams, DO YOU WANT TO READ about issue to Jeff Somers, PO Box Victorian tea party recipes, the 84 (living in) Tokyo and all things 3024, Hoboken NJ 07030, www. MISHAP #17: Lost Cherrees intv., bus, 7th grade, pop culture, Dame Japanese? Do you like streetcar- innerswine.com. [23] punk/culture, books, and the Darcy interview, and lots more riding, books, and weird comics? “Insecure Loser’s Dictionary,”$2-3. goodies! $1+stamp/trade, Ilana, Order your copy of ORGA{NI}SM “IT’S SO CUTE!” “I love how it #16: 2003 PDX Zine Symposium, 1162 Juliet Ave., St. Paul MN and find out about the hidden sides came in a book pocket!” “Who anti-prisons conference, 55105. 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